[The smile makes him wonder. Perhaps the cat wanted to sneeze. But he responds to the head butt with a caress of his hand.

He can't interpret the quizzical expression, so he doesn't explain.]

I don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't been killed. [Apparently out of nowhere, but if it hadn't been for Malta, it might not have been necessary.] I suppose she knew that. [If only Elizabeth were here.]