He brightens as she appears finally, closing his paper and pushing aside his drink.

"It is indeed," he answers, and Lily looks up curiously -- ears twitching a little. Something is drawing her attention, but she isn't sure what. "She may be beautiful now, but... you should see her after she's gotten wet or into some mud." White dogs hardly stay white for long, especially not in wet weather. He flicks her a smile, encouraging Lily to sit up and scratching under her chin. She tips back her head, suitably distracted, and leans into the touch. "How have you been? Things going well at the Institute?"