Nell: David is doing that thing again.
Me: What thing?
Nell: The Monday morning attitude.
Me: I don’t know what you mean.
Nell: He holds the bone in the corner of his mouth and gives you an “Are you looking at me?” stare.
Me: Let me see. You’re right. It’s awfully good, isn’t it?
Nell: It is inappropriate behaviour for a Monday morning. It’s Mutley’s fault.
Me: Why?
Nell: They were watching “The Godfather Part II” again last night. You know how David loves it.
Me: As long as he doesn’t start calling himself Michael.
Nell: What on earth are you talking about?
Me: Michael Corleone.
Nell: It’s Michael Collie-Only. He is one of the Kingsbridge Collies and he runs the bookshop down by the harbour. Do get it right. Why David should want to be called after him, though, is quite beyond me.
Me: Never mind.
Nell: Now Poppy has had an excellent idea.
Me: Good.
Nell: We have a lot of American friends so she thought we could celebrate Thanksgiving this year.
Me: What a lovely idea. Will there be a turkey?
Nell: Of course there will be. Don’t be such a goose. There will also be pumpkin pie.
Me: Do I have to have marshmallows on my turkey?
Nell: I don’t think everyone does that but we will ask our friends for advice. David and Gladys will be performing but only if he drops that ridiculous gangster look.
Me: I think it suits him. Very Al Pacino.
Nell: It’s Al Pawcino. What is the matter with you today?
Me: Sorry.
