When the old man didn't sound angry, she gave pause. Then she kind of gave a shy look his way, biting her lip for a moment and turning once more to face him. "He's at work," she said at last. "He should be back this evening." She looked back upstairs for a moment, and then asked, "Would you like for me to cook for you, sir? Or would you like some tea?" And then she gave another pause and tilted her head toward him, deciding it would be better just to... be brave? How else would she earn respect? She bit her tongue to keep from blathering like an idiot, and but she did offer a slight smile.