Me: Can I ask you a question, Nell? Only you are looking a bit strange.
Nell: Ask me anything you like, my dear.
Me: If you were talking Swedish right now I would be worried.
Nell: I would hate you to be worried, my sweet.
Me: No, seriously Nell, stop being so odd. Your eyes are far away and you’re being nice to me.
Nell: Everyone should be nice to you.
Me: This is dreadful. I’m getting Charlie.
Nell: He is with The Great Mutliano. I wouldn’t bother him if I were you. Sally is visiting and they have lots to discuss.
Me: The Great Mutliano? Who is he? You aren’t making sense.
Nell: You are right. Of course. You always are. Silly me. Sorry.
Me: No, I’m not. Stop being so nice. And you never say sorry.
Nell: Well, I am sorry now. The Great Mutliano told me to be kinder to you.
Me: Look, Mutley is here now. Why is he clicking his paws and murmuring?
Nell: I would love to chat but I’m feeling a little tired. So sorry.
Me: What is going on, Nell? Wake up!
Nell: Stop shouting. Good grief. I’m right next to you. Honestly, I despair of you sometimes.
Me: You’re back. You were hypnotised.
Nell: I was not. I haven’t been anywhere near Sven Gully and I’ve been wearing a hat outside.
Me: No. It was Mutley. You called him The Great Mutliano.
Nell: Did I? Mutley was a hypnotist back in the day, of course, but he hasn’t practised in years. I was talking to him about it just now when I fell asleep.
Me: Well, he’s still got the gift. You were actually nice to me. You even said you were sorry. Several times. It was terrifying.
Nell: What exactly do you mean by that?
Me: Nothing. Sorry.
