‘It did, it did. You showed the flag. Dogs that set about sheep like that go absolutely berserk; they don’t stop at one; they’ll maul the lot. Your going there and calling, though it might not seem to have any effect, brought them back to their senses, made them realize they were dogs, not wild wolves. And I’d like very much to give you a real nice present. No, I mean it. Edith and I have been talking it over. We thought . . .’ he hesitated, whether from diffidence or for effect, Miss Mayfield could not say – ‘a nice fur coat.’

‘But, Mr Frisby, that would be ridiculous. It’s most kind and . . . and generous, but I did nothing. And all the time I was in hospital you sent me beautiful flowers and fruit. You more than repaid me.’

He made a face and a sound of scorn. ‘I’d send such bits of nonsense to anybody I knew was ill, whether they’d done me a good turn or not. It was Edith’s idea about the fur coat; she said she didn’t think you had one. Of course, she may be wrong. You may have a mink tucked away somewhere. You’re not one of those with everything in the shop window, are you?’

The thing looked out and leered, and, perhaps because Mr Frisby was less fundamentally shy than the villagers, it stayed long enough for her to name it – almost. It was a look which said, Come on, come off it; you’re not nearly so prim as we thought; you’re only human, just like the rest of us!

She longed to say, Mr Frisby, if you really wish to do me a favour, tell me why you look at me like that.

It was not a thing one could say.

‘It was a kind thought, Mr Frisby. And I certainly haven’t a mink tucked away. As a matter of fact, I’ve never even wanted a fur coat.’

‘Then you must be unique. The point is, I feel in your debt. Maverick and I have never exactly hit it off; he’d have jumped at a chance to twist me. As it was, with only one sheep killed, the rest unharmed, and your word for it that another dog was involved, I got off lightly. So whether you like it or not, you’re going to have a present from E. Frisby. And it might as well be something that you want. Come on, please give it a name.’

She realized suddenly that here was a chance not to be missed. It didn’t do to be proud.