And of course, my daughter Rebecca. My pleasure, Miss Bennett. I believe we almost met, earlier. I must thank you for saving my hat. I'm rather fond of it, you see.
Good hats are hard to come by.
His voice held more than a touch of amusement, but she knew somehow that he was not mocking her, but rather trying to put her at ease. However, she was not at ease, not the least bit. Her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth. She could say nothing, could not even look up. Yes, indeed, good hats are hard to come by.