Christine shook her head and tsked him. "We had just met and people, especially men, can be..." she seemed to search for the correct word. "Flakey. For all I knew, you had forgotten me the moment I left your gaze."

She smiled and clasped her hands together. "No, pity is a better word. It ignites the feelings that you could use assistance and for those you like your face, they will help you because you need it." She saw his cluelessness and sat on the arm of his chair and gestured to the book. "Anyone can help you learn to read, and when they or I do, you will find this book more useful. Like here.." she turned the book to the word Chéri. "See? Your name means Darling."