Final answer:
The question deals with social norms and expectations concerning a young engaged woman in a southern society and how these differ from other areas, as reflected in a young man's reaction upon discovering her engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage discusses how a female character's engagement alters the interactions she receives from men, contrasting the norms of Southern society with those elsewhere. It reflects on themes like social etiquette, gender expectations, and personal identity within the context of regional cultural differences. The young man's embarrassment upon learning of the woman's engagement status highlights the complexities of social interactions and the weight of societal expectations on personal relationships.