When the woman moves, Herbert is forced to re-evaluate what this particular story is intending. Possibly some kind of rusalka? Best to keep treating her like she's actually human, just in case. He doesn't want to reveal his hand too fast.

"I have not," he asserts, lifting up the bag to brandish it meaningfully. "We, have not--we're here to help. If that is, in fact, what you need."