MJ proudly touted his secret weapon to eradicate the British Library’s rodent problem: a super-mouse to chase all others out of the building. I was surprised that legitimate cross-charged services at the library included pest control.

Meanwhile my new Italian friend survived his first experience of hosting a serious talk show on Radio 4. Relieved that his ordeal was over, he took great interest in the two white ferrets. He didn’t wince once as each took turns to scale the inside of his white-jeaned trouser legs.