[ And suddenly, Lambert wonders if the spell that Childermass paid for wasn't an act of generosity, but an attempt to apologize. And he's annoyed at Childermass all over again, because he realizes the damn magician probably didn't explain jack shit to Steven, or at least not enough. And he's content to let his reputation lie in tatters, but Lambert isn't. ]

He gave up one of the only things he cares about to protect you. Doesn't that say enough? [ Is there anything worse than being in the position of defending the honor of someone you're still kind of mad at? Nonetheless, the bristly defensiveness can't help but assert itself-- ]

If you're looking for him to say sorry or tell you everything's all right and he'll never do it again, give it up. But he's not a bad man. Hell, he's probably a better one than I am. So stop worrying about it.