"I...I did not mean that you felt it was a matter of worthiness," he quickly says, shaking his head once more. "I just...I admit I am a bit overwhelmed at simply...simply by having the option to be seen, at not being forced to hide for my own safety."

He squeezes her hand firmly, smiles at her. "It would not trouble me at all to wait. I know I am not...not at all ready. I do not need to be seen with you...I simply would wish to be there to watch as you work, so that I could learn by observing."