Well, 'missing Sparkle's speech' - the in retrospect deeply embarrassing events that caused it notwithstanding - was a whole lot less discomfort-inducing than the topic of screwed-up childhoods. Especially in present company.

"Sad. So very sad," Atton sighed. "I take it you regale the children with a, what's his name-- Churchill-esque rant every morning. 'You will eat your breakfast, for it breaks... fast...' Ah, whatever."