"You are not... unhappy, about not being able to see your father often, then?"
Sabriel was sitting in the office of Mrs. Umbrade, the headmistress of Wyverly College. She had just been called in because her father had sent a message that he would not be able to visit the school when he said he would.
"Oh, no, Mrs. Umbrade." Sabriel smiled. It was uncanny, Mrs. Umbrade thought. The child was only seven, and she unnerved her.
"Are you sure?" asked Mrs. Umbrade.
"Oh, yes," said Sabriel. "After all, I see him more often than when he visits in person."