[ His lips twitch at late Christmas present; it's a funnier joke than she knows. ]

Sounds like you really took it in stride. I'm lucky to have an expert on hand.

[ He means it, is the thing: it's the same tone with which he'd complimented her kicking skeletons clean across the beach. ]

So, professional opinion, you think we'll find more of these still up and roaming? I'd be interested to see them work.