I was sitting at home one Saturday afternoon. The wife had just taken the kids to the park and they'd be gone for an hour or so. I was watching the game and enjoying a cold drink and generally taking it easy. Then Carly, our baby-sitter, rolled up.

I was a little surprised to see her but invited her in.

"Ah, you're a little early aren't you, Carly?" I suggested.

I had been pressured into taking the wife out for a dinner and a show but we weren't due to go for several hours. Accordingly I hadn't expected to see Carly for several hours.

"I know," Carly said with a...