My brother has little appetite for women.

( He waves away the offer for more tea, if not unkindly. One cup, it seems, rather suffices him for the time. He draws back to recline on his cushions, not yet somnolent but seemingly having conceded a great deal of his energy to this conversation. )

No, no need. But thank you. I should rest. ( A tight smile, apologetic. ) Before I return to the Wards.