Number 6 was afraid of this. Some people just won't be stopped. The apology, however, softens his grumpiness some.

"Apology accepted. Of course, I realize it was meant in good fun. I just so happen to be tender on the subject. You're not the first or even the third to raise the issue of my not having a lover and not even that night alone." His annoyance carries through that gripe despite how he tries to suppress it.

"I have my reasons."