"Ah. Well, long enough that it is nighttime, now. I shall have that clock seen to."

And then the real question. He shakes his head with a rueful sound. "I'd forgotten how much taller you are than she was." Then he blinks, returning his focus to her. "I shall have to accompany you this time, of course. The wards aren't completed yet. I should hate for you to run away so soon!"