


Nell: What do you think of our hats? Too much?
Me: You look wonderful.
Nell: David insisted on wearing his mayoral hat.
Me: I love the feathers. Very Davey.
Nell: What about me?
Me: Very Halloween.
Nell: Lionel says I look adorable.
Me: Well, he can stop making comments like that right now.
Nell: Why? I rather like it.
Me: If anyone’s going to call you adorable it will be me, or Knitwear Wolf.
Nell: Do calm down.
Me: Please don’t tell me you’re sailing over to the island on Lionel’s boat?
Nell: Of course not. We’re going by sea tractor like everyone else.
Me: I don’t think the Hoffmanns have ever been on a sea tractor. They don’t have them in Germany.
Nell: The Hoffmanns aren’t going to the ball.
Me: Yes, they are. Frau Hoffmann is wearing a dirndl and Herr Hoffmann has his special party hat.
Nell: What’s a dirndl?
Me: It’s a traditional dress. Usually worn in the south of Germany. The Cat had one in its dressing up box.
Nell: I knew The Cat would be involved.
Me: Frau Hoffmann loves it. I must say I was surprised The Cat had a dress in a bear’s size.
Nell: Nothing surprises me about The Cat.
Me: Rupert and Harriet’s outfits are very tongue in cheek, aren’t they?
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.
Nell: Rupert thinks it’s amusing. I’m not so sure.
Me: I love Harriet’s red velvet cloak.
Nell: You know Gladys is going as Cinderella?
Me: Really?
Nell: It’s a ridiculous idea. The llamas are pulling her coach.
Me: I suppose llamas could be mistaken for horses.
Nell: That’s not the point. How are they all going to fit on the sea tractor?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
