“Excuse me,” Starlight said quietly. Lyra looked at her in surprise—she hadn't heard the mare approach. “If it's not too much bother, there's a griffon at the door who wants to come in.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He wasn't on the guest list. I asked Fancy Pants, and he said it would be impolite to snub him, but if you don't think Dale is up to meeting him, I can have him sent away.”