Byerly turns towards Bastien, his eyes narrowed. He caught that saintly serenity. He knows what it means. But he is also not about to elucidate that meaning front of Benedict, because as fond as he is of the lad, By isn't about to reveal Bastien's tender heart for common viewing.

"That is funny." Objective facts are objective facts. "And quite arseholish, too. That does not answer the question of why it is persisting."