That...takes him by surprise. Beth is normally so wary and hostile - so resistant to being perceived as weak - that he doesn't quite know how to respond. His normal response to a request like that is glib and automatic, but of course milady, a mocking bow, a leer. It's usually a request that earns him an ugh, forget it from the other party, and thus By successfully avoids work or obligation of any sort. But coming from Beth, he's unprepared for it, and so instead of his normal off-putting response, he responds a little more honestly.

"Depends on what it is," he says, eyeing her. Not hostile, but cautious - and, for once, without any hint of nastiness.