( there's a shadow to her smile, an old and familiar one; a solemnity she wears like a shawl about her shoulders, that she has been long unable to set aside. it makes the warmth no less. wryly, )

I've served the Vauquelins since I was yet younger than she is. If I've traded indignities for the things that I could give my daughters -

( an exhale. he listens too well and she speaks too freely. )

You're a good man. Thank you.