He had to restrain himself from showing concern for Reinette's slip. Reinette was completely the part she was portraying. She was an impudent boy, and he was a horrific actor. He had to imagine she was ridiculous like Mickey.

"You may very well cry yourself to sleep. Once we're dropped back in London---" pointed look at the guard, "Then you can cry all you like."

The guard seemed satisfied that they were being ridiculous French prisoners, and went back to pacing.

"Well, I've never been trying to attract a mate," he replied in a low voice, "Especially with my clothes. I gave up bright plumage after my sixth self."