Nell: Well, Tony has broken the rules.
Me: He had to give Harriet a cuddle and a kiss.
Nell: He could have remained aloof.
Me: Didn’t you see all the pleas on Harriet’s behalf?
Nell: I did. You ignored me too. I saw you cuddling her.
Me: She’s my darling girl.
Nell: And as for David. Did he think I wouldn’t notice the bacon sandwich he brought her?
Me: Don’t worry he didn’t suffer. Poppy made him another.
Nell: And on top of it all she receives a present.
Me: From Jim the Farm Dog?
Nell: No. From GOOD. Tony delivered it.
Me: What’s GOOD? The opposite to BAD?
Nell: In a way. It’s the Generally Obedient and Optimistic Division. Part of the UA, or United Animals.
Me: That’s a cautious name for an organisation, isn’t it?
Nell: Most animals mean well and everyone can slip up without actually being bad. GOOD takes that into account.
Me: I suppose it does. What was the present?
Nell: A bandana. Apparently GOOD has started a campaign showing support for all animals, even slightly naughty ones.
Me: It explains why Little Marvin is wearing one but I’m surprised the Beefies were included.
Nell: I suspect their bandanas are fakes. If it doesn’t have the GOOD logo it isn’t real.
Me: I’m glad Henry and Horst got one, even though they are insects.
Nell: Yes. I had another letter from their parents thanking me for afternoon tea the other day.
Me: How kind.
Nell: Apparently ‘Young David was most entertaining’. I quote.
Me: Good for Dave. Does Harriet’s bandana have sequins?
Nell: Why?
Me: I’m wondering if The Cat is involved in GOOD and Knitwear Wolf come to that.
Nell: A cat and a wolf? Try and be a little realistic.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
