There's an odd hesitation to the way he speaks his statement. He has friends here, but maybe he's protecting them, or they aren't friends. Or he's not used to having any companionship - really, it's all hard to say. Still, she's going to hope for the best, for his sake.

"Havin' companions here seems to make it easier for them that have 'em," Kate says with a smile. "And I suppose I should be grateful, too, this place got that crowded over winter. Too cold to be tryin' to make the houses habitable with all that snow."

The last gets a faint, lady-like crinkle of her nose: ugh, snow.

"I'll just get you some, you take a seat and I'll be back. And don't mind the cat, she's polite enough to everyone."

Miss Hoppity, tangled in her wool, is still attempting to look dignified. There is, however, a pleading look sent her mistress' way as Kate sweeps off to the kitchen door.