None of your business and not part of our bargain, I'm afraid, [he says smoothly, lifting the cup to smell its contents. Not for poison - Gods, wouldn't that be novel? -, but because he's curious whether there will be anything familiar to the smell or taste. How much variety can there be in tea leaves, really?

He drinks, and decides after that the cup might benefit from something sweet to leaven it with but can't be bothered to fuss further about it. It's a fine education for the future. As for the stick—

Well, that's not up for discussion either. And what does it matter if she's landed near to the truth? The thing isn't here, and so the qualities which had made it most convenient to him are irrelevant. The borrowed cane works well enough as a ward regardless.]

What was the other thing I agreed to tell you? I've forgotten.

[No he hasn't.]