“Ah！” said Mr Tumnus in a rather melancholy voice， “if only I had worked harder at geography when I was a littleFaun， I should no doubt know all about those strange countries. It is too late now.”
“But they aren’t countries at all，” said Lucy， almost laughing. “It‘s only just back there.at least.I’m not sure. It is summer there.”
“Meanwhile，” said Mr Tumnus， “it is winter in Narnia， and has been for ever so long， and we shall both catch cold if we stand here talking in the snow. Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe， how would it be if you came and had tea with me？”
“Thank you very much， Mr Tumnus，” said Lucy. “But I was wondering whether I ought to be getting back.”
“It‘s only just round the corner，” said the Faun， “and there’ll be a roaring fire.and toast.and sardines.and cake.”
“Well， it‘s very kind of you，” said Lucy. “But I shan’t be able to stay long.”
“If you will take my arm， Daughter of Eve，” said Mr Tumnus， “I shall be able to hold the umbrella over both of us. That‘s the way. Now.off we go.”
And so Lucy found herself walking through the wood arm in arm with this strange creature as if they had known one another all their lives.