"Madam", he responded respectfully. He was new to this country and didn't know the Bass family, so could not address Katerina based on her status.

"Thank you for your leadership", he added, and gestured gracefully down Billywig Bend — ladies first, then they might walk together. It felt a little unnatural to be so cordial when his concern for Marian had reached fever pitch (deep within), but such was life.

"What store is this?" he asked as they walked. "If it sells treats for cats I'm ashamed to have not yet discovered it."