As he pushed open the shop door , it seemed to Peter as if nothing had changed since the last time he had been in there.

The same look , the same smell , and the man behind the counter did not even appear to have changed his position . Peter inhaled deeply .

-- I love the smell of small grocery shops . It reminds me of the little place that Mrs Hyams ran , just round the corner from my parents' house . She made her own iceblocks . Her frozen fruit bars were terrific. They were pure lumps of frozen fruit , with a bar of frozen cream down one side. Haven't seen one since I left home .

Mr Alvedo smiled as he shook his head gently.

-- I'm sorry sir . We can only sell what the company says in the freezer. They supply it and it's their brands in it. We've got an orange surprise lolly if you like.

Peter picked it up the confection and looked at it.

-- So what's the surprise ?

-- It tastes of lemon, Mr Alvedo said .

-- Actually it doesn't taste of anything much really. There's certainly no fruit in it, just a lot of E numbers. Between you and me I don't touch them and I never let my daughter near them either.

-- Your daughter ? said Peter .

-- She wouldn't be the young lady that works in the bank ? Jasmine , I think I read on her name tag.

-- Indeed that is she , replied Mr Alvedo , rather pedantically .

-- You must be proud to have such a beautiful and courteous young woman in your family .

A slight cloud crossed Mr Alvedo's otherwise pleasant expression.

-- Oh yes , indeed sir . He paused .

-- But what can I do for you ?

It was obvious that the subject was closed , and Peter took the hint.

-- Do you know the chocolate biscuits called Tim Tams? he asked .

-- I have heard of them , sir , but alas we do not stock them . In fact I am not sure that they are now available anywhere .

-- Blast , said Peter . I wanted some especially . Oh well , some more Hob Nobs will have to do .

-- There are some others made by the same firm , said Mr Alvedo.

-- They are called Gaiety . Very similar , I think . There should be a packet or two down with the other biscuits .

-- I'll take them only if you have a bag. I'm not sure I want to be seen carrying something called Gaiety ! Strewth ! I wonder who gave them such a camp name. I mean you'll never get a bloke coming in and asking for them by name.

Mr Alvedo dropped the packets in a bag, as Peter handed over a note.

-- There you go. All disguised .

-- Nope ! Look , sorry, mate , I just can't do it. I'm giving them to somebody, and it might create the wrong impression. I'll take some Bourbons instead. No chance of a misunderstanding with Bourbons.

-- So long as the recipient doesn't mistake you for having French intentions , said Mr Alvedo smiling.

-- Hey , that was a funny one .

The realisation was a bit slow , but Peter was warming to the shopkeeper now.

-- I was beginning to worry about this place. They're either doolally or too earnest.

-- Are they for the craft shop lady?

He surprised Peter with the question.

-- Yes, they are. How did you know?

-- She likes her chocolate Hob Nobs . Good customer.

-- It's in the way of a thank you present. For showing pity on a stranger.

-- I'm not surprised .She's still a bit of a stranger here herself.

-- So how long does it take to become a local, then? asked Peter.

-- About three generations. I'm still considered a stranger , too .

-- Bit like couple of the snootier places I know at home , said Peter and with that , he headed down to the craft shop.

-- Is my tee shirt fixed ? he called through to the back of the shop, and then, as Jane appeared , he asked her , with his hands behind his back ,

-- Which hand will you have ? Or both ?

-- Left , said Jane .

-- Right , said Peter .

-- No . Left !

-- Okay , let's not play games , grinned Peter .

-- Can I buy some coffee with these ? and he held out the two packets .

-- Are you trying to fatten me up for something ? laughed Jane .

-- You don't have to keep me in biscuits !

-- Not my plan at all , said Peter,

-- Though I must say I prefer plump and happy ladies , he added , and immediately put up his hands in mock appeasement.

-- Men always say that but they never mean it in my experience.

-- I can take them back if you're offended, said Peter.

-- These are only provided as a payment for the friendly company forthcoming from another outsider in this place.

And he looked reflectively at Jane .

-- Oh no , no , no. You can leave them there. The day a chocolate Hob Nob offends me you can bury me.

They both laughed at this.

-- Though let me tell you I am scoring well with Ernie . He keeps wanting to read me his poems ! Already ! And I've done the constable and Jenny a favour , so I'm getting along on the right side of the law .

-- A favour ? Tell me all !

So Peter explained about the note Jenny had given him for the constable , and the reaction it had received .

-- Oho , you are doing well then .

The comment came back over Jane's shoulder as she moved back to brew coffee.

As soon as the works for coffee making were in progress , she returned , sat determinedly opposite Peter , and said ,

-- Now you are in for the third degree about the Manor and the lady. First , you can tell me .......