Lee's lips formed the perfect O-shape when Galen had apparently heard his Hester. So he could see her?!
He had to look at Hester who was eying him widely just the same before he turned back to the man and asked him, "You can see Hester!" Or well, more announce than ask, really...
"But where's your dæmon?" Hester asked after.
But his dæmon could be anything: a rat, a spider (he looked more like a spidery person to Lee) or anything small enough to fit in a pocket! Nevertheless, Lee was smiling. Someone could see his Hester! Would you look at that...
"Beg your pardon, Sir. It's not every time Hester makes new friends." Plucking his hat off and swooping so that he held the open part to his chest, he said, "My name's Scoresby," he held out his right hand, "Lee Scoresby, from Texas." What was 2267? "And this here jackrabbit's Hester."
"Arctic Hare, right?" Hester snorted as she squeezed herself a little freer from Lee's pocket. "Give me the class I deserve," then to Galen, "Howdy."
"Pleasure to meet you," Lee said, anyway. "Based on your description, though, I'm not quite sure my balloon's what you're looking for. Perhaps an airplane's what you're interested in?"