"I get that one too. With varying ratios of superiority to concern depending how much the person in question actually knows about Barrayar."

...If he's going to drive her away, might as well do it fast. As he collects his things and stands up, he adds, "Maybe I should keep the opening monologue of Richard III memorized for the earnestly worried crowd. It sure did a number on poor Frank."

There. It's not a trick of perspective: he really is this short. And he has a slight limp, too, obvious when he begins to move away from his desk. Now's your chance to run, Yvette Vorlaine.