Possible Clues:

• 'Yes, alas'
• "Sorry, but it's true"
• 'Yes, unfortunately'
• "Yes, sorry to say"
• 'True, alas'
• 'Unfortunately, that's the case'
• "Yes, unfortunately"
• Regrettably said of eccentric artist inside
• 'Alas, it's true'
• 'Yes, sad to say'