Jane wasn't sure how much to tell this relative stranger ,but was enjoying his company. She absent -mindedly dunked her biscuit in her coffee , and watched as he tried it as well .

-- I'm afraid I don't think much of your dunking technique, Peter. She was temporising , waiting a little before confiding her story to him.

-- There's a special knack with chocolate biscuits.

She picked up another .

--Trust me . I'm an expert.

-- Great . I'm always keen to learn these quaint native customs , he said with a smile, though he could see Jane was taking this quite seriously.

-- The trick is just to melt the chocolate without the biscuit breaking up. Dip it till the shine goes and then a couple of swirls and now ...

She hoiked it out and with a flourish popped it in her mouth.

--I'll have a go but you might need the strainer handy. I didn't realise there was such an art to it.

-- Yes ,I'm thinking of starting a night class .

She was feeling more at ease and said,

-- I'm glad you liked Ireland. My parents hail from the West Coast, County Clare. It's a great county for the music. Do you like Irish music?

-- I don't know much about it, apart from Riverdance, he said , fishing bits of biscuit out of his cup.

-- Is that representative?

Jane put down her cup .

-- Well, yes and no. It certainly put Irish music on the map for many.

-- And gave it a really sexy image? , Peter added.

-- That too . said Jane.

-- I just wonder if the English had come up with Morris-dance it would have become a world-wide phenomenon?

-- Yes , I take your point , said Peter But it's very unlikely. I've seen it.

A thought struck him.

-- You said the English . Don't you consider yourself English?

-- Thats very perceptive of you. I suppose deep down I don't. I mean it's bad enough being new in the village here. God knows what they'd say if they knew I was Irish. Do you know some here have never left the village all their lives?

--Peter took this information in.

-- I was a bit surprised you should be so hospitable to a complete stranger , said Peter , especially someone who has fairly obviously slept rough , but I can see why you would be if you feel that you yourself might be a bit of an outcast here .

-- Oh we get quite a few visitors who have slept rough , perhaps because we're bit of a backwater. Used to it . And I'm used to not being in with the villagers all that much.

-- Anyway , if I want to try for a job at the Manor , I will need to shower and shave. Lucky I have enough clean stuff to wear . I think I'll try there first , before I strike out to other farms . Don't know what you think , but I've always found farmers a bit near I think you'd call it in these parts.

-- Hmm , said Jane , I am not too sure whether the Lady of the Manor is at all well set up for cash . The place is a bit rundown -- well a lot run down really Still... you never know ...

-- I think I would rather work there , doing things that I like doing , rather than being stuck on a production line at a sweets factory .

-- Just think of the chocolate though , twinkled Jane , you could feast on it !

-- And finish up unable to face it ever again ? Nope ! I'll keep my indulgences under control . More pleasure then when I do indulge.

He stood up .

-- That coffee was wonderful . I have been missing good coffee . I'm very grateful. And look , please take this other packet of Hobnobs too.

-- Oh I couldn't , said Jane , but she eyed the packet wistfully .

-- Of course you could . And I tell you what , if I don't get a job and settle here in the village for a while , and so have to leave soon , I am going to be back to get a set like that mug , jug , and the two bowls to send home . I think they are great -- better than my friend's efforts .

He took a last look at the earthenware before saying :

-- I'd better go get that shower and change . Make myself part way presentable. I'll drop in and tell you how I get on -- if that is all right with you ?

-- Best of luck , said Jane , and any time you get tired of the coffee in The Jumping Bean ... it's good , mind you , better than that McDonald's muck , but you got my best brew this morning and you're welcome to drop in any time--- especially if you bring chocolate !

That's a goer then , said Peter . I'll most likely take you up on it . I might be able to find some Tim Tams and teach you The Tim Tam Slam . But bye for now .

And off he went once again to the George house .