And now here you are!' 'I see we are,' said Anthea patiently, looking round on the tall gloom of the forest.

'But why HERE?
Why NOW ?' 'You don't suppose anyone would want a child like that in YOUR times--in YOUR towns ?' said the Psammead in irritated tones.

'You've got your country into such a mess that there's no room for half your children--and no one to want them.' 'That's not our doing, you know,' said Anthea gently.
'And bringing me here without any waterproof or anything,' said the Psammead still more crossly, 'when everyone knows how damp and foggy Ancient Britain was.' 'Here, take my coat,' said Robert, taking it off.

Anthea spread the coat on the ground and, putting the Psammead on it, folded it round so that only the eyes and furry ears showed.
'There,' she said comfortingly.

'Now if it does begin to look like rain, I can cover you up in a minute.