Me: Dave’s bowl is empty. Look at his little face.
Nell: May I point out that the bowl isn’t even David’s? It belongs to Mutley. Notice the smaller size.
Me: Oh yes.
Nell: Also, David has been perfecting his “Please sir, can I have some more?” face since he was a small pup. It is a Labrador skill.
Me: He is ever so good at it. Just like Oliver Twist.
Nell: Yes, I must admit David’s Labrador hungry face is excellent.
Me: So, why didn’t he get any breakfast then?
Nell: I despair of you sometimes. I really do. He had dippy eggs and soldiers with Harriet and Jonathan. Then Mutley didn’t finish his porridge so David helped.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Why?
Me: I gave him some of my toast because I thought he was starving.
Nell: You see. This is where it all goes wrong. Now David has had three breakfasts.
Me: But he looked so hungry, Nell. Remember the way you used to look when I’d forgotten your breakfast.
Nell: You never forgot my breakfast.
Me: I did, Nell. When you were younger. You used to tell me with your sad little eyes.
Nell: I know it worked every time. I had an excellent Labrador hungry face even then.
Me: You mean you actually had breakfast?
Nell: I rest my case.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
