[He laughs as well -- aiming to give the impression of his spirits lifting from his embarrassment earlier.] Oh, it's all right. I admire your curiosity! Please, ask me whatever you wish.

Ah, but first, I really ought to turn back, lest anything think strangely of you for conversing with a dog... but if you don't mind, could we perhaps find somewhere a bit less out in the open? A power like this isn't something I'd like spread around.

[--that and it'd probably be bad if he ran into someone from home while putting on an act right now. They'd definitely give him away!!]