`` well , i do n't count on her doing any such thing , '' granby said , `` if only he gave her a little encouragement ; but i will have a word with her , and see what she is about ; not , '' he added resignedly , `` that i expect to be able to persuade her to do anything differently , if she is determined to go on playing cat-among-the-pigeons , but at least you can whisper a word in temeraire 's ear , and maybe that will settle him down . ''