[ She looks up at him as he speaks, studying, and it was just plain to see his honesty and stubborn determination. She could argue, but that would make her a hypocrite -- taking on the pain and trouble for oneself, so as the others could be spared from them.
When she speaks, she tried to buoy her voice with humor, but her feeling for him weighed it down. ]
It certainly makes for a mean prank.
[ A breath and -- ]
But I understand, as to why you do not want to tell Ms Index.