No, um. I was being a bother by being overly meek. It is a frequent failing of mine. I apologise for making you apologise.

[But Marianne does sit, folding her knees under herself neatly and looking up at Meg.]

I, um, there's a lot that I am trying to change about myself. Mostly that I am a poor conversationalist with new people. Would you maybe be willing to let me converse with you for a while.