I would wager that true and I would be a richer man for it.

[He quips with ease. Alfred leads them from the hall to an atrium and from the atrium to the plaza. Out here at this hour the people present are less huddled in bunches. Out here they can speak more freely and Monsieur Newendyke can continue to do that which they all say he excels; being paid to be someone he is not. But he rather likes Monsieur Blanc. Is that not a treat? A sweet morsel in the gruel?]

I confess I have not the experience of yourself or those with whom you surround yourself, but I am a fast learning man. I think on my feet.