On the landing, I revised tomorrow's daytime instructions three times over. Even as I said them, I knew full well they didn't need saying tonight.

• OsmonYou stood on the stairs for four minutes. I counted.
  AlbernDon't count. Does a butler have so little to do?
• ViolenThis is the first I've heard of a master of House Ardmar dawdling on a staircase.
  AlbernGreat-aunt, that staircase happens to be rather steep.