The girl overlooked the sarcasm. She asked levelly and with deference:
“Was it much of an accident? Did I lose my reputation or just a couple of teeth?”
Cub moved toward the foot of the bed and fenced:
“Publicly speaking, neither.”
She shot back, “Privately speaking, the teeth are permanent.”
He stood at the end of the bed and looked at her critically. She met the look and returned it. A short laugh finished her estimate. She said:
“Don’t you think it might be wise if we told each other the truth? You snap like a police dog, but your eyes are honest.”
Cub’s legs collapsed under him. He sat upon the bed. The girl continued:
“How bunged up am I? I’ve got to get out of here quickly, or I’ll be fired....”
Cub’s hands deprecated the statement. She sneered: