"About employing me, you idiot!"
"Yes, if you like. If she comes up here as my guest, she'll need a gorgon."
"I'll gorgon you," she retorted, wrathfully.
"Thanks. So you'll accept the—er—job?"
"Of course, if she wishes. I need the money. It's purely mercenary on my part."
"That's understood."
"Are you going to tell her I'm mercenary?"
"Naturally."
"Well, then—don't—if you don't mind. Do you think I want every living creature to detest me?"
"I don't detest you. And you have an unterrified tabby-cat at home, haven't you?"