I think it's time we had a talk.

About what?

I'd like to know what you think you're up to with this Muriel person.

Is that what you call her, "this Muriel person"?

You're not yourself these days, Macon, and this Muriel person is just a symptom. Everybody says so.

Who is "everybody," anyway?

We're just worried for you, Macon.

Could we switch to some other topic?

I had to tell you what I thought.

Fine. You've told me.

Can you tell me one unique thing about her? I mean, one really special quality, Macon, not something sloppy like "she appreciates me"?

I'm not such a bargain myself, if you haven't noticed. Somebody ought to warn her away from me.

That's not true. That's not true at all. I imagine her people are congratulating her on her catch.