“My part.�
“Your part?�
“I am your humble servant now as ever,� I said emphatically.
“My master, isn’t it, since you bought me?�
“God forbid, I bought not you.�
“What then?�
“The right to live and serve you, the right for you to live unharmed, and—�
“And what?�
“And be served by me with no thought but for your safety and happiness.�
She stared at me for some moments in deep perturbation and perplexity, her brow furrowed. I had wit enough to be silent and let the speech work.