"First of all," Cecelia lifts her chin, a shade indignant, "I don't appreciate being accused of being so transparent. Second of all, I'm not telling you to make a pretense of things - I can't imagine you much of an actor, dear."

She unfolds her arms in order to lift the near-whistling kettle off the active burner.

"I only mean...Hm." She sighs, pouring cups. "Well, it's easy to say, but it is a tougher thing to will one's self to stop prophesying disaster, all things considered, isn't it."