And Belle was "nice" to Fao; she didn't use her claws, even once, all day. And, just before quitting time—
"Does he ... I mean, did he ever ... well, sort of knock you around?" Fao asked.
"I'll say he hasn't!" Belle's nostrils flared slightly at the mere thought. "I'd stick a knife into him, the big jerk."
"Oh, I didn't mean physically...."
"Through my blocks? A Prime's blocks? Don't be ridiculous, Fao!"
"What do you mean, 'ridiculous'?" Fao snapped. "You tried my blocks. What did they feel like to you—mosquito netting? What I thought was.... Oh, all he really said was that all Primes had to have hell knocked out of them before they could be any good. That he had had it one way, Deggi another, and me a third. I see—you haven't had yours yet."
"I certainly haven't. And if he ever tries it, I'll...."
"Oh, he won't. He couldn't, very well, because after you're married, it would...."
"Did the big lug tell you I was going to marry him?"