"I was just having some fresh air", the sphinx said. "Do you think I'm in London for the first time? Of course I don't get lost." Badly, anyway. Sphix gave Ellie a glare just in case she would dare suggest differently. She had just eaten, though, and was on a good mood, so she didn't stay irritated for long.

"You have what you wanted now, don't you?" Sphix said. "Shall we go look for some shoes?"