“I do wish I shared your optimism.” His voice was uncharacteristically soft, and I turned to him sharply. “What is the matter with you? We have now agreed upon something. Furthermore, I said something courteous to you and you have not cursed at me in a full five minutes. Have you a fever? Are you delirious?” I put a hand to his brow and he slapped it away. “That is better,” I said, satisfied.
