By the time Corbie emerged with her (preciously) tidy bundle of clothes, Phryne had seated herself on the couch and now lounged with a glass of sparkling champagne in her hand. She'd poured a glass for the girl and leaned forward to lift it and hold it out to her.

"Here, darling. Come and sit down. Ask me anything you want to know and I'll do my best to answer. Or, if you like, tell me about your home."