“Gratitude, she says! One could not hope to come upon a more forbearing man than I—” She planted her hands on her hips and arched right back to bellow, “Ha!” at the sky. “—but I feel it only fair to warn you that even my patience has a limit.” He stomped to the oars, furiously waving his arms. “I have a belt,” and he ripped the damp thing free and shook it in her face, “but no trousers! What am I to do, might I ask, with a belt but no—” “Belt your fucking jaw shut with it!”
