Ernest

Mr Boxe, not usually one to find himself at a loss for words, is nonplussed by the unexpected arrival of his nephew, Ernest.

“I understood from your mother,” says Mr Boxe, “that you were studying agriculture somewhere in…where was it? Tennessee?”

Ernest admits that after he declined to get his paws muddy and found he was allergic to living plants, it was suggested that he seek an alternative métier. He would now like to stay with his uncles, please.

And perhaps they might explain the situation to his mother?