It's a common question, but it isn't often asked with such genuine concern for her. He reminds her, a little, of Miss Justineau in that way. Melanie feels a sudden impulse to hug him, but she tamps it down. Kind as he's been, she's not so sure he'd appreciate such a gesture coming from her. Not now that he knows what she is.

Instead, she reaches out and lays a hand on his shoulder. "Not for me," she says, giving him a bracing little pat before pulling her hand away. An odd gesture, maybe, but better than nothing. "It's what I am."