Iron hand in a velvet glove.

John is an iron fist in a velvet glove, ... He's every bit as determined and tenacious as he is uplifting and gracious. He's a skilled manager of people, he's well-respected by my staff and Cabinet, and he knows how to cut to the quick of solving a problem. He's the kind of professional - and friend - I trust to offer smart counsel and honest input in every situation.

He shows her through a magnifying glass which he holds in a velvet glove.

See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!O that I were a glove upon that hand,That I might touch that cheek!

See how she leans her cheek upon her hand.
O, that I were a glove upon that hand
That I might touch that cheek!

A pure hand needs no glove to cover it.