( For a few moments, she allows that to sit. She drinks her tea, she considers him - her small, neat smile is the slightest bit warmer. If he is making assumptions about why, when she finally speaks it is like to put paid to them: )

Calm, ( in a measured tone, assessing - the sort he has doubtless heard a hundred times in a very different context, from Circle mentors watching him master a new task. ) Courteous, and substantive enough an answer to be convincingly sincere without overdoing the thing.

I wouldn't have looked up so quickly, but there are those who will underestimate you, and in that way we might have some grace to smooth off the edges.

( She sips her tea. Smiles. Says, )

I can only apologise for the unkind method, but you must understand my reservations about your cloistered background-- which I see are unfounded.

( At this point she expects he's caught on, but finishes nevertheless-- ) I do not anticipate your requiring my assistance, but you will have my full support as your division head.

( Which is different. )