`` of course , '' she said , her tone suggesting i was silly for even asking . she had soft , delicate features and looked very thin and breakable . why not spend ten minutes answering my questions ? he tries to raise his eyes , to look at her , but his terror has a gravity of its own and his head remains bowed , eyes fixed firmly on his hands . she took his change and pulled out a crisp bill from her purse hanging on the back of her chair . 