Me: You were up early.
Nell: I had to fetch Harriet from her morning swim. There’s been a development.
Me: What’s happened?
Nell: John Mane’s found Lionel King.
Me: How is he?
Nell: His mane’s in dreadful shape.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell; And he appears not to care.
Me: We all have bad hair days, Nell.
Nell: Lionel was always fastidious about his appearance.
Me: Did John tell him Roary’s worried?
Nell: Lionel says Roary would be better off without him.
Me: He has a point.
Nell: Well, I’m not having that kind of talk. I’m calling a meeting.
Me: Why?
Nell: I think we should take Lionel home with us.
Me: I don’t believe this.
Nell: Rupert agrees, by the way. He’s gone with John to bring Lionel here so we can stage an intervention.
Me: Count me out.
Nell: May I remind you that it is Sunday?
Me: What’s that got to do with it?
Nell: Sunday is a day of Kindness.
Me: I thought it was a day of rest.
Nell: What do I always say?
Me: Do keep up?
Nell: No. If you can be anything, be kind.
Me: But Lionel is a bad lion.
Nell: He deserves a chance.
Me: We’ve given him so many chances.
Nell: Herr Hoffmann is waiting for us all at home with a roast dinner and all the trimmings.
Me: Wait a minute. If we’re going home, does that mean I have to ride John Mane again?
Nell: You’ve done it before.
Me: I remember, and it was awful.
Nell: Stop thinking of yourself all the time. I’m worried Lionel might be too weak to make the journey.
Me: Are you telling me my entourage is now going to include a lion?
Nell: It’s Sunday. Be kind.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
