"Miss Frost..." Stephen's smile was a little sad, as though he'd suspected why she was here from the moment she'd arrived -- as, of course, he probably had. "If it were simply a matter of assisting you, I should jump at the chance. But given that the request comes from Charles Xavier, I'm afraid I will have to decline."
Strange took a great deal of time over his tea, stirring the sugar in for far longer than it might normally take. His eyes looked a little strained, though the old man took great care to hide it; something was playing on his mind. "I withdrew from taking an active role in metahuman affairs a long time ago, miss. A time when Xavier and Magneto should have retired, as well. I cannot renege on my promises...and besides, I have more pressing matters."
He cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Some...family problems occupy my time currently."