Crichton is being patient, and kind, and Arthur is giving him nothing. The phrase 'blood from a stone' comes to mind, and he feels wretched for it.

"Let me," he says thickly, "try that again, without... being a prick. I... thank you. Very much. I-I, I'd like to try that."

He means it, and he wants Crichton to know it, and maybe if his instinct had been to say it first then he'd be a better person.