Tell me again in five years, and then I can belie--then I can accept it without argument.

[he can't tell if his face is red or pale and drawn, but his ears feel very hot either way. He's probably saying this all wrong, but not saying anything at all sounds frighteningly awful, and he clutches at where his locket falls over his heart]

Please don't think I don't appreciate--it. I just think-- I just want the time to earn it.