"Well, I have very little pride. Félix, I don't suppose you'd make me a promise?"

"Kkkk."

"I won't take that as a no. Naima – any thoughts about what I should ask him for?" 

"Oh, hm. I might be terrible at this if there isn't an immediate problem to be solved. What do you want?"

"Hmm, let's see. Do you know that Félix is very handsome, as magpies go? At least that's what he's told me, and he's never given me any reason to doubt him. So I've often though, one of these days, he might find himself a lady friend. And if he does – well, naturally, I'd encourage it – but still, I'd like certain reassurances. 

Félix. Do you think you could promise me that you'll always tolerate my moods, and help me with my research, and tell me when I'm being an idiot, and care for me just as much as you do right now – however little that might be?"

"I suppose that doesn't sound too burdensome."

"In recognition of your pride, then, Felix, is there anything you'd want in return?"

"A raise."

"Mercenary!" 

"And he said we weren't alike."

"To be entirely fair, I don't think there's anyone in the whole world quite like either of you." 

"Oh, you could say that of anyone. - although I suppose it might be more true of us than of most people."

"I am indeed a singular creature." 

"Oh, dear, I seem to have given him a swelled head – " 

Félix flies off and lands in front of Naima. 

"I have not got a swelled head. My head is extraordinarily proportionate. I am a model specimen among magpies. My head could be in a museum of correctly sized heads. Tell him, won't you?" 

"I'm not sure I'm much of a judge of magpie heads, but I think it's very nice."

"See? It's just like I've always told you. You've married a very reasonable woman."