Me: I need a word with you all.
Nell: Morning Thoughts has finished, I’m afraid, but I have a small window after Saturday Kitchen.
Me: Very funny. Did you include Naughty Nigel and Boo?
Nell: They were there. Well, Nigel was. Boo was asleep under the kitchen table.
Me: Was Nigel allowed to voice an opinion?
Nell: He didn’t really have much of one.
Me: He looks rather sad this morning.
Nell: That’s because David ate his boiled egg by mistake and he had nothing to dip his spare soldiers into.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: It was Nigel’s second egg thankfully, and as soon as he realised, David gave him an apologetic nod.
Me: That’s not a replacement for a boiled egg.
Nell: Such is life.
Me: No, it isn’t. Visitors should be welcomed.
Nell: They are. Nigel had Prime Position yesterday evening on the new rug in front of the fire.
Me: That’s true.
Nell: And he and Boo had the choice of the front bedroom, or your bedroom to sleep in.
Me: Yes, they did.
Nell: And they were served first this morning.
Me: Dave still ate Nigel’s egg.
Nell: He wouldn’t have done if he hadn’t had to serve him.
Me: Did David eat anyone else’s?
Nell: A Labrador never tells.
Me: You told me about Nigel’s egg.
Nell: Needs must.
Me: You’re full of sayings this morning.
Nell: Nigel is very good at looking sad. It helps him get his own way.
Me: He’s probably missing home.
Nell: Nonsense. My friend Dorothy said he’s having a lovely time.
Me: Well, that’s very good to hear. Is Dorothy coming over?
Nell: Yes. Herr Hoffmann invited her to join us for dinner.
Me: Did he now?
Nell: I thought you said visitors should be welcomed?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
