[He's getting two fingers' worth, like her. This is good stuff and he had better appreciate the label.]

Yeah, you said.

[Even with her customary sardonic edge, the banter hasn't become malicious or mean-spirited. Robert Jekyll leaves himself wide open to be poked and prodded, that's all. It's a fun game.

Bella's saunter to their table is astonishingly feline. Even the way she pours his share has a coyness to it.]

I thought pa's friends were dull and dry for never including me in their business chats, so I planted manure in their coat pockets. Only thing I regret is blaming it on a cabbie. Lost him a job, although pa knew.