It was human. "Hello, Jerry," it said.
It came from the iron railing, behind which the female Una was standing, grinning at him. He got up and walked toward her.
"Hello!" he returned.
"You didn't think I'd come, did you, Jerry?" she asked, though how she could have arrived at that conclusion with the boy sitting there waiting for her is more than I can imagine.
"No, I didn't," he replied, already learning to prevaricate with calm assurance. "Are you coming in?"
"I will if you ask me to."
"I can't do that," he laughed. "You know the rules. But I don't see what I could do to stop you."
"Please invite me, Jerry."
"No, I won't invite you. But I won't put you out if you come."
"Please!"