"Yes. Yes, I am," she replies with a decisive nod. "Only... I was hoping that I might be able to persuade some very kind, very generous soul to join in. I think it would be much more fun that way, and who couldn't use a little fun?"

Is the pitch working? She hopes it's working. And she might not be above using big, blue doe eyes at him. What are the chances such a... unique creative opportunity will arise again?