The banter over the course of dinner should feel familiar, too.

Of course, a good deal of it centers on the new occupant of the dinner table, both questions and gentle razzing (and not-so-gentle razzing, but there's only so much of that Samuel will permit, with his daughter at the table).

"So, uh, Jay. You said you came down south lookin' for cattle work, but you never did say what brought you to Texas in the first place."

"Armpit of the New America, s'what it is."

"Hey, I happen to like this armpit!"

Laughter.

"Sure a turn different than New Orleans, I'd reckon."

"Aw heck, I ain't never been up that way 'fore. What'd ya'll do there?"