It could be safely assumed that the other was older than he looked (much like Natty, to be fair) as he spoke of his travels and his book-writing. But judging by what he was wearing, perhaps he was a gentleman of leisure, with no end of free time. Regardless, Natty knew well the energy and patience needed to write books. In fact, Natty had read a book on ghosts recently, and wondered if this could be the author...

"Do you like ghosts?" was such an innocent question, and Natty was not entirely sure how to approach it. Again, he was slightly endeared. "I suppose I do like ghosts", he eventually conceded. "I find them fascinating."

As if to prove his point, an enormous spirit — who looked like he might once have been a duke, or something to that effect — floated towards the food table, apparently planning to walk right through them. Instinctively, Natty put an arm around the fellow's slender shoulders and guided him a few steps backwards so he wouldn't experience whatever it was that happens when a ghost walks through you.