Overalls? [ He looks slightly scandalized at the image. ] My word, I should hope not. But there are some people who can pull off a proper suit, and some who simply cannot. You, Mr. Steinbeck, can.

[ Hmm. What exactly does he want to get out of this meeting? Well, they're ostensibly here to get to know each other better, and he can admit to a certain amount of personal curiosity, so... ]

Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? It would seem I have a pretty good idea of who you aren't - an author, for one - but rather less of one who you are. Serving tea isn't your only passion in life, surely?