It was the middle of an afternoon in late February when Miss Marple was very surprised to hear the knock on her front door. She wasn’t expecting any visitors, and the weather was such as to deter anyone calling in on her while they were on a walk, but nevertheless she went to answer the door.

“Tigger dear,” she exclaimed, “the is a surprise.” Tigger bounced up and down but didn’t say anything. “Why don’t you come in and introduce me to your friend.”

Tigger bounced inside and waved his paw to his companion to follow. Once inside he said in a rush, “This is Rabbit and can I invite him to Dr Watson’s birthday camping party and tea, because he’s my friend?”

Rabbit looked rather apologetic, but Miss Marple smiled at him and said, “I’m sure Dr Watson won’t mind if you bring one of your friends.”

“Can I show him where we’ll be camping?”

“If you’d like to, you’re very welcome to show him where the tent will be, although it’s been taken down at the moment, due to the wind.”

The look on Rabbit’s face was one of relief. Miss Marple suspected Tigger had suggested to him that they camp out that night.

Miss Marple went into the kitchen to put the kettle on. She watched out of the window as Tigger bounced round the garden, but she could see the bounce wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as usual. When they came back inside, she said, “Would you both like some tea, and I have some iced cakes in the tin as well.”

“Thank you very much,” Rabbit said. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all. Tigger, would you and Rabbit like to spend the night in the sitting room? I know it won’t be quite as exciting as sleeping in the tent, but it would probably be better in view of the weather.”

“Oh, yes please.” Tigger bounced up and down and Miss Marple was pleased to see his bounce had returned to normal.

“That’s very kind of you, but you mustn’t let us put you out,” Rabbit said.

“I have enough food for us to have supper, although I’m afraid it’s not camping food. And although Tigger will want to sleep on the floor, you’ll be very welcome to sleep on the settee, you might find it more comfortable. If I show you where the blankets are, could you bring them down? I think it would be wiser if you were the one to do so.”

“Yes,” Rabbit agreed. “He’d probably trip and fall down stairs.”

Tigger didn’t seem put out by this. Then he thought and said, “What about breakfast?”

“I have a new jar of Marmite,” Miss Marple said, “so there’s plenty for you. And Rabbit might like to try some of my marmalade.”

“Excellent!” Tigger said and bounced round in a circle.

“Thank you very much,” Rabbit said and didn’t.