Me: Do you know why Harriet is hiding on the stairs?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Is it a game? Can I be included this time?
Nell: It is not a game and if we don’t include you it’s because you don’t enjoy it. You’re easily confused.
Me: I am not.
Nell: When we allow you to play Shenanigans you squeal if anyone comes near you.
Me: I don’t like being bounced.
Nell: When you play Cheeky Animals you stick your tongue out at every available opportunity and always get caught first time.
Me: It’s not that easy.
Nell: Or you accuse animals of being unnecessarily rude which is exactly the aim of the game.
Me: I prefer Scrabble.
Nell: Well, we will play later. Knitwear Wolf was only saying the other day that he would love a game.
Me: Is Harriet in a huff?
Nell: A huff?
Me: Yes. Has someone upset her?
Nell: Not yet.
Me: Well, why is she sitting there?
Nell: Harriet is Looking and Listening.
Me: Do you mean spying? Only it’s fairly obvious that it’s her. She isn’t wearing dark glasses, or a fake moustache.
Nell: How many times do I have to tell you that spies don’t do that.
Me: Dave does, and so does Gladys on occasions.
Nell: That’s why David and Gladys aren’t spies.
Me: So, why is Harriet spying?
Nell: I am going to tell you something and you must not overreact.
Me: Of course not.
Nell: We have reason to believe there is a lion in our loft.
Me: A lion! The Cat saw it in the orchard.
Nell: It has moved. Try and stay calm please.
Me: Lionel King is hiding in our loft and I’m supposed to be calm?
Nell: Nobody said it was Lionel King.
Me: Oh. Sorry.
