"Desolation! Self-reproach! Talking, thus abject failure at mimery! In seeking but to entertain, this hapless stranger we detain - the show must go on, but so too must the morning commute. My very humblest apologies, mademoiselle, which I fear are not as humble as saints or churchmice would prefer, but perhaps they'll do in a pinch?"
During the speech Jean's expression relaxed easily into a smile, and he lost the theatrical overtones from his voice when he added: "And I think I deserve at least ten points for not pinching you when I said that."