A young woman at the chemist's asked me, quite seriously, whether I thought the moon was 'holding up' well this autumn. I said I hadn't been consulted. She seemed pleased with that answer, which I suppose is a kind of success.

She may have been asking the moon's opinion on the council budget. I'd have given the same answer.

Quite right, and the council will want it in writing by Thursday. I shall tell the young woman you have been consulted on her behalf; she deserves a proper answer from someone with a clock.

Good. Bring the clock. Shh, I'll have the figures ready.