I do know that! And yet I had some vain hope to the contrary just now! Winter, do remember who you're speaking to here when you say nobody could ever have such interest in you. Hmm?

[This is going too far. But oh, hell. He'd gone too far months ago; this is only a continuation of that instance of going too far, and therefore it does not count, and he can't be blamed for it. There!

He leans closer in his chair, squinting.]