"Thank you," she says softly, giving his hand a grateful squeeze. It's obvious that she hasn't convinced him of Johnny's relative harmlessness, and she can't help regretting how fractious they are when Johnny isn't exactly in need of enemies. The poor lad already dislikes himself enough for three people, from what she's gathered.

But at least the Balladeer is willing to let it lie. If he'd been her husband, she wryly thinks, she never would have heard the end of how dangerous Johnny might be and how she must keep away from him at all costs. At least she's being afforded some small measure of trust, here.

Or maybe he's just waiting until he can fret at her properly before he tries again. That's possible, too.

The border of the Ramble is visible up ahead, and she unconsciously tightens her grip. "Look, if this doesn't work, don't worry about where I've wound up." She's already been through this several times today; what's one more? "Just get the things and come back. All right?"