Should he assure Burr that the anal passage is used fairly commonly by those who want to ejaculate without risk of pregnancy? -- No, perhaps now is not the time. He betrays no sign of shock, this time, except for what is left over from the kiss.

"What quantity of blood?" asks Ned. "Equivalent to menses, more, or less?"

He reaches for his spectacles, ensuring they're present in case he must perform a physical examination.