Fox and the handbag. Part 2 Bryn

Despite Miss's injunction to keep up, the fox actually has no trouble matching her stride with two of his, although she steps smartly to the front of the shop, pushing the door open with one fluid movement.

The fox moves through the door just behind her, hearing the tinkling bell, and will always remember savoring both fear and delight at actually crossing the threshold of the shop, at entering that world for the first time. The look on the shopman's face as they enter brings a grin from the fox, when the man finally closes his mouth and says "Can I help you Miss?" - it appears he knows her name - the fox can't resist sticking his long tongue out at him, although catching sight of his Miss's face in the glass front of the counter he quickly retracts it. Suppressing a smile she turned her attention to the shopman, speaking to him confidently about discounts and wrapping and PINs in a way that seems marvelous to the fox.

As the shopman moves to the window display she remarks quietly "You and I are going to have a little conversation about manners later, fox." The fox nods silently wondering if it is her quiet voice brings a sinking sensation to the pit of his stomach, or if it was the strange emphasis on the word "conversation" slightly over-enunciating each syllable, or simply the thought that scarcely ten minutes after meeting her he had displeased her. Just as he feels his chin begin to quiver, the thoughts are driven from his mind by the man returning with the bag. The fox moves half a step closer to the counter, standing on his toes watching the bag being laid almost reverently on the top of the stack of tissue paper, folded and cocooned doubly, sealed with a sticker then slipped into a carrier bag, which itself has what appears to be velvet-rope handles knotted through brass eyelets. The fox looks on fascinated by the idea of having a bag to carry a bag in.

After exchanging post-purchase pleasantries the girl picks up the bag and passes it to the fox, wishing the man a good afternoon, she leads the way from the shop and down the street, the fox hurries after her careful of the precious cargo he carries,, not sure where they are going but knowing he needs to follow without being told.

Passing the alley the fox suddenly remarks "I need to get my bundle Miss." and vanishes between two piles of cardboard cartons only to return a few moments later with what looks like a bundle of rags, tied with an old belt.

"What have you got there fox?" she asks an amused smile on her face, her nose slightly wrinkled at the state of the bundle.

"It's just my treasures Miss, you can have them if you like" he offers her the bundle shyly and for a second almost reluctantly then holding it up in an open paw for her to take if she desires.

"Thank you, but I think you had better carry that - we can examine them later. " She seems genuinely pleased with the offer of a mysterious and somewhat unclean bundle of rags . "Come on, " she says, "Lets get you home and hosed down."

"H..hosed? Yes Miss." he replies nervously.