The unfailing politeness grated on Puck's nerves. Something, something about this guy rubbed him the wrong way. He couldn't even pinpoint what it was, other than it had been a long time since he'd associated with someone so obviously intelligent and learned, but without much trace of arrogance about it. Maybe it was the patience Long was displaying: Puck was used to making people react, and there was a distinct lack of that in this conversation. It made him feel as though he had no impact.

"Only a fool would enjoy this," is his answer, though with less acidity in his voice than he would have liked.