Me: Do we know why Harriet was sitting at the bottom of the stairs yesterday morning?
Nell: She was probably waiting for Tony.
Me: Tony doesn’t usually arrive until lunchtime.
Nell: Then it was some kind of delivery.
Me: But I didn’t notice Terry flying around.
Nell: She might not have used Book a Beefy.
Me: She usually does, doesn’t she?
Nell: Talking of Book a Beefy, I’m not sure Terry is going to stay working for them for much longer.
Me: Why? Is the pay bad? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was.
Nell: No, it’s the other seagulls. They’re bullies.
Me: Do you have to be a Beefy to work for them?
Nell: You definitely have to be a seagull because Walter Pigeon’s nephew Wayne tried and was turned down.
Me: Terry is an unusual Beefy. He’s so nice.
Nell: He joined the Beefies in his younger days when being part of a gang was exciting. Now he sees the error of his ways.
Me: Terry’s a Reformed Beefy. I’m glad there are some around.
Nell: Romeo is one, too.
Me: Is Romeo the Beefy in the long black wig?
Nell: Yes. I’m glad he’s started wearing it in a ponytail. It looked ridiculous hanging around his face.
Me: Wasn’t he the one who was in love with Harriet?
Nell: Was he?
Me: He used to serenade her, didn’t he?
Nell: I don’t remember.
Me: Maybe Harriet was waiting for Romeo?
Nell: Don’t start all that nonsense.
Me: Maybe he’s still trying to woo her?
Nell: Harriet is perfectly happy with Jim the Farm Dog.
Me: True. Jim and Harriet go together.
Nell: They do.
Me: And I can’t see Shakespeare writing a play called ‘Romeo and Harriet.’
Nell: Why bring Shakespeare into this? Good grief.
Me: Sorry.
