[...Sigh. He really has to figure out how to stop being weak to Shiro's persistence. It's getting worse and worse as time goes on, as well, rather than better. How should he train himself against it? Hrm. With these thoughts in mind, he looks at the book in Shiro's hand.

He doesn't even give any assent to the plan, he just begins to read:]

It was New Years Eve. The elder members of the house party at Royston were assembled in the hall. Mr. Satterthwaite was glad the young people had gone to bed. He was not fond of young people in herds. [He'll just huff a breath that might be close to an understanding laugh, glancing at Shiro, before he continues reading...]