My Horse Barney

(Telephone rings)

Queen: Yes?

Anne: Mum? How are you?

Q: Fine luv. How kind of you to...

A: That's wonderful. I'll say, I've been a bit worried.

Q: Dear me, you mustn't. All the Palace doctors say we are--umm--fit as
fiddles. Yes, that's it.

A: We?

Q: Mum and I dear.

A: Yes, of course. Grandmum.

Q: A American cardinal's with me.

A: So you can't chat.

Q: Of course I can. With you, anytime. He's at the window. Cutest
thing.

A: Is this a new one?

Q: Oh, who knows.

A: Is he young?

Q: It seems he is, luv. Quite the athlete, I'd say. All jumps and
starts.

A: Hmm. Sounds strange, mum. Anyway, give him my regards.

Q: Beg your...

A: The Cardinal, mum. My best regards.

Q: Oh, quite funny luv. But you've always made me laugh, haven't you?
'Cardinal dear, best regards from Anne!' He doesn't answer. But he's so
jittery! I think he's leaving now. They come and go, don't they?

A: Mum...

Q: Now tell me, have you been keeping busy these days?

A: Oh yes, mum. Riding and whatnot. The 'Cardinal's' a bird, isn't tit?
An import?

Q: Marvellous. Yes, of course. Has it a name yet?

A: I thought differently at first. Silly me. Barney, mum. You know
Barney.

Q: Of course, dear. The Flintstones' Barney?

A: (Giggles) The horse, mum. My horse Barney.

Q: Oh, THAT Barney. Such a dear, too. My luv, why are you writing about
your horse Barney?

A: (Giggles again) You're a riot, mum. I'm riding Barney lots these
days, not writing.

Q: (Cautious) Umm. Yes, I see. (Pauses) I'd like to know that you're
writing, too. It's very good practice. Clears the head.

A: Oh mum. I'm a bit lazy where writing comes into the picture.

Q: But you mustn't be, luv. It's important to have your thoughts on
record.

A: Sometimes I wonder, mum.

Q: What's that? Beg your...

A: Nonetheless, I'll make an effort. For you mum.

Q: That's my luv. By the way, you must be patient with your mummy, you
know.

A: Oh mum. It's quite all right, really i'tis. Who could ever be
impatient with you?

Q: Love you.

A: Love you too, mum. Bye now.

Q: Adieu.

(They ring off)

THE END