Laurence looked over at Julie, ashamed of his behavior. He had been so preoccupied with his own thoughts and worries that he had neglected her entirely. Despite worrying at length about how she might be viewed by the rest of the covert, he had nonetheless managed to overlook her presence in the room until she had cause to speak.

"Of course it does. You must forgive my inattentiveness, please. It is in my nature at times to use up the period before an action indulging in worry. John would no doubt call me foolish."