Hesitation only insofar as any person might hesitate to greet a stranger - particularly one responsible for the smooth running of an already interrupted evening - with an elbow to the sternum. Whatever he imagines he sees is not there in the clear-eyed smile she gives him, clarifying, "For the slip." Or the narrowly avoided one, at least -

Though that exchange in itself, perhaps, has told her all she nends to know about this man's awareness of his surroundings. It's almost impressive.

"I must commend you while I have you, though- accommodating my lady with such aplomb. You run a neat household." If her eyes track to her own party with a touch of the dismals - well, she can't often be receiving similar compliments on the smooth running of that group. Perhaps she's in the market for a new job.