He blinks in surprise, mouth opening a little as he falters on what to say, but that's all the reaction she gets. He's too used to that sort of talk to let himself give more.

After a few seconds, he just clicks his tongue quietly and closes his mouth. "Alright. I'm sorry for offending you, Eponine, I didn't mean anything by it. I more meant that the book you picked has a lot of very unusual words, so even though you can read, it might still be very confusing. If you like, I could help you find something a bit more... enjoyable, for you."

He gives her a slight smile, thin but with a sort of resigned patience. "Do you like stories, Eponine?"