Norman picked up the bottle of dandelion wine and poured himself another big glass. "You'd better be careful," said Tom noticing,"or you'll finish up here for the night."

"That's a point," Norman said.

Tom looked at the door and said, "Well I think I'll go a see if I can pour oil on things." He headed out the door to the dining room.

Norman walked up to window and looked up at the cat, yelling "You stay up there mate. If you come down, he'll only want paying."

Tom quickly returned from the dining room. "I think I'll stay out of there for a second. The room's positively knee deep in home truths-if you know what I mean."

"Splendid," said Norman.

"That and biscuits." said Tom.

"Biscuits?" said Norman, not quite sure he heard him right.

"Yes they seem to have been throwing biscuits around. Water biscuits."

"You can do someone a nasty injury with a water biscuit..." agreed Norman.

"Well I'd better see if the dining room is cooled off a bit," said Tom. "I'll take them a bottle."

"Want a tip?" said Norman. "Go in there laughing."

"Laughing?" said Tom.

"There's nothing they like better in this family than a good laugh. Go on. Bring an atmosphere of merriment to the room." urged Norman.

"All right," said Tom. "You're a good chap, Norman, you know. A very good chap. I'm sorry you're having to dash away. To your conference. Pity you're not staying. Pity. Cheerio."

With a wave Tom left the room and Norman behind.