Me: Dave shouldn’t really be using the paddling pool as a large water bowl.
Nell: He’s thirsty. It’s all the bacon sandwiches he’s been eating for Glenys Williams.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. I noticed Faye was keeping watch with Harriet.
Nell: Yes. After consultation with Sally in London, and Henry and Horst here in Devon, both Faye and Jonathan have been accepted as temporary spies.
Me: Gosh. What an honour. Do we know why?
Nell: Because they are kind and curious children.
Me: They’re not curious.
Nell: In the sense of inquisitive and interested, not strange.
Me: I’m inquisitive and interesting.
Nell: I said ‘interested’ and no, you cannot become a spy.
Me: I still have my all-encasing hat.
Nell: Not happening.
Me: What, or rather who, are they spying on?
Nell: I should have thought that was obvious.
Me: Not the Stuffed Tiger again? It’s stuffed, Nell.
Nell: The Stuffed Tiger is under investigation but Mothew has that covered now that his wings are clean.
Me: Getting honey off a moth’s wings can’t have been easy
Nell: It wasn’t. David had to take his time and lick very carefully.
Me: Dave licked the honey off?
Nell: Of course. David has a surprisingly gentle lick for a large animal and he is the Mayor of Kingsbridge.
Me: What’s that got to do with the price of fish?
Nell: Don’t bring fish into it, please.
Me: So, why was Faye with Dave and Harriet at the front gate?
Nell: They’re looking for the one legged heavy animal.
Me: It’s not just going to hop by, Nell.
Nell: It will when it knows there’s odd salad for lunch.
Me: I’m a bit saladed out, Nell. Can’t we have something else?
Nell: It’s not for you. Do keep up.
Me: Sorry.
