His smile back at her is also a little sad, and he reaches over and takes her hand for a moment, squeezing her fingers, an attempt to comfort them both. Inwardly he marvels at how easy the gesture is now, how certain he is that she will not object to it.

His smile warms as she speaks of how she enjoyed her excursion otherwise, before its abrupt ending, and her relief at seeing her uncle. "I am glad," he says quietly. "And most sorry that our outing was cut short. When we are more recovered--and the Warden has forgiven me this transgression--" A quick, rueful grin flashes across his face. "--perhaps we may venture forth again. There is much more of the city I think you would enjoy seeing, if you would be willing. Or if I am to be kept a little longer, perhaps you might be able to go forth with Merry. Surely he is feeling confined as well, and I owe him some apology also."