In this excerpt from "A Matter of Magic" by Patricia C. Wrede, the characters Mairelon and Kim engage in a conversation where Mairelon expresses his worries about Kim's feelings towards marrying someone of upper class status, referring to the term "toff." However, Kim's frustration reveals that her concerns are centered around the marquis, not Mairelon himself, indicating a misunderstanding between them. This exchange highlights the miscommunication and complexity of their relationship.

As Kim defends her stance with indignation, it becomes clear that she has her own thoughts that do not align with Mairelon’s assumptions. Despite Mairelon’s concerns for Kim’s preferences, she asserts her independence and clarifies her position. This moment reflects the intricacies of their dynamic and the differing perspectives they hold regarding social standing and personal choice.