Joseph listened to Miss Howard's admission, not interjecting with a comment or reaction for fear that she would find it ill-mannered. And he was, after all, there to hear her side of the story.
So he sipped at his tea and nodded attentively while she spoke. Once she was done and appeared to be awaiting a response, he smiled at her in that affable way of his and set down his teacup.
"I don't think you are suffering from hysteria. An over-developed sense of moral outrage perhaps, but that is something to be commended, Miss Howard, not ridiculed. And I can assure you that any information you wish to stay off the record shall be kept off the record. You need not threaten me to achieve your aims, though I admit that they are very effective threats and I've no doubt you'd make good on them should I step over the line."
He produced his peach, and selecting a butter knife nearby, proceeded to cut into it, dividing it roughly into quarters. His fingers (faintly ink-stained from setting type) were soon covered in peach juice, though he did his best not to make a mess.
"You should know that I am very interested in what Mister Endicott has to say for himself as well. for instance, how he feels about being personally singled out and attacked so vehemently in public."