The little cat, having finished the meat, was eyeing the biscuits unenthusiastically. She looked up at Alison and gave a plaintive little cry.

"Can I give her some more?"Alison asked.

Miss Wetherspoon looked dubious. "Well, you can, but there's not much left."

Alison went to the cupboard. There was another packet of biscuits, but only two little trays of meat.

"How often does she eat?"

"Just twice a day. I come and give her her breakfast first thing and ...