Me: Harriet said you and Dave were playing together.
Nell: What’s wrong with that?
Me: You don’t play. You’re not a playful sort of animal.
Nell: Everyone plays now and again.
Me: You left Harriet out of your game.
Nell: It was Tickle my Chin. Only two can play.
Me: I think you should play with Harriet next time. It’s awful to be the one on the sidelines.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: Watching sadly while others are having fun.
Nell: Harriet is absolutely fine.
Me: She looked a little low to me.
Nell: Stop imagining things that aren’t there. You do it all the time.
Me: Yes, you’re right.
Nell: If it makes you happy, I will ask Harriet to join me in a game of Bridge this afternoon.
Me: I used to play Bridge when I lived in Africa.
Nell: I know you did but we don’t need any other players. My friend Dorothy will be joining The Cat and Harriet and I will make up the other team.
Me: So, now I’m going to be the one watching all alone from the sidelines.
Nell: You don’t need to watch at all. If you want to do something useful you can help Poppy bring out the cake and sandwiches halfway through.
Me: And stand and watch you all eating? I don’t think so.
Nell: What are you talking about? Of course you won’t watch us eating. Afternoon tea is for everyone.
Me: Oh, I misunderstood.
Nell: Well don’t. This game of Bridge was arranged weeks ago. There’s only a place available because Rupert dropped out at the last moment.
Me: Why didn’t you ask me?
Nell: I was going to until you suggested Harriet was feeling left out.
Me: Oh, I got that all wrong, didn’t I? Sorry.
