Up until recently, Milton thought of Tessie as his prim cousin. Whenever one of his friends expressed interest in her, Milton told them to give up the idea. That's honey from the icebox, he said, As Artie Shaw might have. Cold sweets don't spread.
Milton had always perceived Tessie as nothing more than a distant relative, viewing her through a lens of familial attachment. He discouraged his friends from pursuing any romantic interest in her, firmly believing she was out of their reach. His dismissal was often characterized by a metaphor likening her allure to "honey from the icebox," emphasizing that her appeal was akin to something delightful but ultimately inaccessible.
By comparing Tessie's charm to "cold sweets" that aren't easy to share, Milton expressed his belief that her allure, while evident, was not meant for casual admiration or pursuit. His words reflect a protective stance toward Tessie, as well as a sense of rivalry and exclusivity associated with her. This complex mix of familial loyalty and the idea of unattainable beauty characterized Milton's attitude toward her until certain realizations set in.
