Your Sad Face

Buzz. 

Is there a fly in the kitchen?

No, it is Madame Ponty's red beanie, which is not really hers.

Her angry look softens.

Which could be for one of two reasons.

One: The beanie has the power to soften angry expressions.

Two: She has thought of a plan, whereby the saints will allow her to keep the beanie.

Perhaps I have been too hasty, says Madame Ponty.

In doing what? asks Saint Méen.

In refusing Terence a certificate, says Madame Ponty.

We all thought so, says Saint Méen.

But something is having an effect on my conscience, says Madame Ponty.

Is it the fish stew? asks Belle.

No, dear, says Madame Ponty. 

The potatoes, says Terence.

No, says Madame Ponty.

My sad face, says Roo-kai.

Is that your sad face? asks Madame Ponty. It looks the same as before. O, but you didn't get your mussel!

She passes him a mussel with the tongs.

Terence, give me the certificate, says Madame Ponty.

Terence hands it over.

Madame Ponty unfolds it, finds a pen and starts ticking boxes.

She ticks every box except the last one : 'A successful dismount' .

She signs the certificate, and hands it back to Terence.

There you are, young man. It's the best I can do.

Let me see it , says Belle. This is great, Terence. Say thank you to Madame Ponty.

Perhaps next time he can perform the dismount, says Madame Ponty.

There may not be a next time, says Belle. We're heading to Paris in the morning.

Boo! says Terence.

Buzz! Madame Ponty's beanie buzzes.

How about this? says Madame Ponty. We go outside and ask Buster if he'll allow you to try a dismount.

Yes! says Terence.

In the dark? says Belle.

I'll turn the lights on, says Madame Ponty.

She looks at Saint Méen.

Saint Méen looks at Saint Maclou.

The saints agree silently.

Madame Ponty has displayed normal kindness. 

It will take more than this.