Miss Pryce. [ he greets her breathlessly -- very much in the mode of a man who desperately hopes he's correct in applying the title miss to this elegant face. anything else would be tragic. disappointing. truly.

sharpe lowers himself back into his chair. ] Richard. Sharpe. Richard Sharpe. [ his own introduction is garbled and clumsy. as though he forgets the order. as though he forgets himself. ] Major, miss. South Essex.

[ his throat feels tight. he's not often a prattler, but he feels compelled to keep talking. ] Incredible, it is. Been here for months. It ain't getting any less incredible as each one passes.