He tilted his head from side to side, lip twisting in thought. He firmly believed in her statement, of course, given his own agenda and tactics, but this was a delicate matter that he could only coax with; he wasn't about to push her aggressively.

"I think you can, yes."

Chilton smiled, his warmth returning.

"You have the qualities of someone who can really make an impact on another's life."

Affirmative, encouraging words -- that's all that was to be found in his mouth. He was at the hearth, stoking her embers.