And the tiny twitch of smile at one corner of her mouth suggests that she fully appreciates that intended compliment -- but it doesn't bloom into any more of a smile than that.

"I've had to be. Both before I first met you, and since. Given what I know about you -- from speaking with Max, and from witnessing a small piece of his past with you -- I hope you can understand that I might feel obligated to be so again, under the circumstances."