Me: Why is Dave shut in the back garden?
Nell: It’s St. George’s Day.
Me: What’s that got to do with it?
Nell: We are re-enacting the slaying of the dragon as part of the puppies’ history lesson and Dave is waiting for his entrance.
Me: Is Dave playing St. George, then?
Nell: Don’t be silly. David is the dragon. We can’t give him the sword.
Me: There’s a sword?
Nell: Of course.
Me: I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Nell. Someone could get hurt.
Nell: It’s all perfectly safe. Poppy has been fencing for years.
Me: What? Is Poppy playing St. George?
Nell: Yes, she insisted. Mutley is the king, of course, and Harriet is his daughter, the princess. That silly circlet of flowers you made me has actually come in useful. Harriet loves it.
Me: There’s a big difference in size between Poppy and Dave.
Nell: Of course there is. Don’t you know the story? It wouldn’t be very believable if a huge St. George slayed a tiny little dragon now would it?
Me: I suppose not. Dave won’t be breathing fire, will he?
Nell: Don’t be silly. He is a labrador.
Me: Yes. Well, Happy St. George’s Day, Nell.
Nell: Happy St. George’s Day. Now, can we get on with rehearsals, please? The performance is at 3pm and I haven’t finished David’s costume.
Me: Yes, sorry.
