Needless to say both the pronouncement and that bit of theater he, God help him, believed was true, the face Berek had was priceless. His jaw went slack and he placed his spoon back into the bowl. Even when she began sobbing, he didn't know what to do immediately. Of course she might be crazy or lying, but if she was she was an incredible actress. "Hold on, hold on." He implored her, and when she continued crying he got up and knelt beside her. 

This certainly explained why she looked down her nose at him. "It's ok." He said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Humphrey watched and wagged his tail, though his head tilted and his left ear was erect at what was happening, as if he could understand every word. "Look, I don't know much about politics and..." He was about to say 'if you're right' but he halted himself. "Look, don't cry. You've got a place to stay here for as long as you need." He let the words sink in. "Ferona?" 

Well he didn't know if she would insist on the title she claimed, but either way at least he knew her name now. Or [i]a[/i] name, that is.