[ It's one blow after another, here. He hedges at Alecto's question, and smiles through a wince at She's funny; it looks a bit strained around the eyes. ]

Well, she's a real go-getter. [ This he says to Annabel, not quite convincingly; and then just as quickly, to Ianthe: ] Her charms take a bit to grow on you... I mean, or not, sometimes it's 'or not' and that's fine. [ it's definitely fine ] But give her a chance, right? She has a lot to catch up on.