A morning dog walk reveals the depth of public feeling following the News of the World scandal

Out on my dog walkies last week I noticed a strange new mood. Nearly everyone was cheery: waving, smiling, calling out jolly remarks, and it seemed to peak on the day Rebekah Brooks resigned. "Two down, one to go," shouted one fellow, and for a while the nation seemed fresh and clean. But not for long. Since the televised parliamentary committee, which was a bit wet, except for Tom Watson, things have soured again and Rosemary is sick to death of it all.

"Please don't write about it," she says. "Everyone's fed up to the effing back teeth with it. It's deeply boring. Because they're going to get away with it. They'll squiggle and diddle. And now they're all going on holiday. You can hardly call one day a recall. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them. This lot especially."

What a cynic. And so is Fielding. "I'll bet that pie-thrower was a Murdoch plant," he says, "and somebody must have told Rupert to count to 10 before answering any questions. But is the prime minister in their pockets? That's what I want to know. They're all such good liars. Anyway, most people don't care. Only you Guardianistas in north London."

What rubbish. I bet that burst of joy was nationwide, but I can see why they're both so glum. I remember another time like this – when Tony Blair won the 1997 election. Our dog walkies that week were also uplifting. Everyone rejoiced, but too soon. Rosemary and Fielding don't want to be caught out being soppy optimists again.

"I hate to tell you," Rosemary bangs on. "Nothing's going to happen. It's not going to turn out the way you want. Sorry. Miliband won't keep up the momentum."

Why not? He's done rather well so far. Perhaps things are just at a bit of a standstill while Cameron hides behind the judicial inquiry. But one day we'll find out what "nothing inappropriate" means, more crooks will fall on their swords, the dirt will be swept away. I'm full of hope. I can't bear not to be.

Last week everybody woke up. We mustn't go to sleep again.

For Fielding's view, visit the Guardian's Mortarboard blog.