Me: Harriet looks sad.
Nell: It’s Jim the Farm Dog. He’s not sure if a long distance relationship is going to work.
Me: We’re only moving half an hour away. He can visit us whenever he likes.
Nell: He can’t leave his sheep.
Me: That’s nonsense, Nell.
Nell: Or the other farm dogs.
Me: Sounds like excuses to me.
Nell: Whatever the reason, he has broken Harriet’s heart.
Me: What can we do?
Nell: Herr Hoffmann’s making her a special breakfast. Scrambled eggs on toast with a side order of bacon.
Me: At least she still has her appetite.
Nell: David ordered the bacon.
Me: Oh, I see.
Nell: He says it’s for sharing.
Me: Dave knows all about long distance relationships. Sally’s in London and they still make it work.
Nell: Actually, Sally is on her way down here.
Me: How lovely.
Nell: She’s worried about the Beefy Halloween Ball tomorrow evening.
Me: Aren’t we all?
Nell: She’s decided we should go.
Me: I’m not going.
Nell: Obviously not.
Me: What’s that supposed to mean?
Nell: Most of us will be undercover.
Me: I still have my all-encasing hat.
Nell: Need I say more?
Me: I can be mysterious.
Nell: You’re not going. David is accompanying Sally and Rupert is with Harriet.
Me: Not with you?
Nell: I’m Lionel’s plus one.
Me: I think it’s a terrible idea.
Nell: The Royal Owl Force are on standby and Princess and Sir Roger Blubbery have volunteered to swim around the island.
Me: Why?
Nell: They’re covering all eventualities.
Me: Will you get in? Most of you aren’t invited.
Nell: The Cat had some fake invitations in its dressing up box.
Me: It’s not going too, is it?
Nell: Of course it is. The Cat never misses a party.
Me: Right. Sorry.
