He resists the urge, for now, to stroke her hair or her face, or to make her look at him. Instead, he clears his throat and answers her question.

"I suppose I have flirted with others," he laughs a little, "though I did not quite realize. Still-- I mentioned that Laertes and Sagramore both had kissed me. Sagramore noted I'd been drunk, then, and uh-- he and I did kiss, the other day. I know not whether I would want to pursue him, but he has been a good friend. It is well that he sought me out to help me, as I suppose I hadn't managed things aright."