Question

Why was Mrs. Pumphrey getting defensive, reading the expression on Dr. Herriot’s
face?

Answer 1

She was getting defensive because she had not taken any of the precautions that Mr. Herriot had suggested her to take to keep Tricki healthy. Her pampering had affected his health adversely. He had grown bulky due to overeating. She was neither putting him on healthy diet nor making him do the required exercises. The narrator knew Tricki was going to be in serious trouble soon.  

Answer 2

Mrs.Pumphrey was getting defensive because she had not taken any of the precautions that Mr. Herriot had suggested her to take to keep Tricki healthy. Her pampering had affected his health adversely. He had grown bulky due to overeating. She was neither putting him on healthy diet nor making him do the required exercises. The narrator knew Tricki was going to be in serious trouble soon.