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I was only testing the ground. But she was putting out the right sort of signals."
    "You're sure?"
    "Of course I'm sure. The only snag is the boyfriend. If not for him I would've made a move last night. As it is, I'l just have to ease my way in a bit more first."
    "But you don't think you'l have too much difficulty?" He laughed. "Donald, look at him, and look at me. There's your answer." His confidence was reassuring, if a little irksome. "How long do you think it wil take?"
    "I've already told you it's not the sort of thing you can set to a timetable. I'l just have to see how it goes. There's no rush, is there?" I hesitated. He had to know sooner or later.
    "Actual y, there is." I told him about America.
    I heard him swear. "Why didn't you tel me before, for Christ's sake?" I was taken aback by his tone. "I only just found out myself," I said, annoyed by my own defensiveness. "But if it's not for two months, I can't see that it matters. It should stil give you plenty of time, surely."
    "That's not the fucking point!" He stopped. When he spoke again his voice was more control ed. "I just don't like having things sprung on me. Is there anything else I should know?"
    There was. But he did not need to know it just then. Particularly not if he was going to take that attitude. "No. Do you think you'l have enough time?" I heard him breathe a long sigh.
    "Yeah. I expect so. But I like to know exactly where I stand. So in future, no secrets, al right?"
    "Of course." I could hear what sounded like a dog barking in the background.
    "Hang on." Something was put over the receiver. The line became muffled. "Sorry about that," he said, a moment later. There was a laugh in his voice. "Where were we?"
    "I was about to ask what you propose to do next?" The laugh became more pronounced. "Look, I've got to go now. I'l cal you next week.
    Don't worry. Once I've got her softened up she'l not want to look at the wimp she's going out with."
    He hung up before I could say anything. I put the receiver down with mixed feelings. I was beginning to have my doubts about Zeppo. But I could not help but share his optimism.

Chapter Four
    Since becoming involved with Anna, I had found it increasingly
    difficult to apply myself with any real enthusiasm to the affairs of the gal ery. Even auctions, which I had once always enjoyed, seemed to have lost their appeal. When I went to one the week after the party, I was apathetic to start with. Had I known who would also be there, however, I would never have gone in the first place.
    The auction was of part of the estate of an elderly politician. It included his col ection of eighteenth-century French oils, one of which in particular I had my eye on. So, unfortunately, did several other people. When the bidding approached the limit I had set myself, I had to choose whether or not it was worth going any further. At one time, only weeks before, I would probably have decided it was. Now it seemed like too much trouble. I sat back and let the bidding go on without me, and felt only mild regret when it stopped shortly afterwards.
    There were one or two other pieces I had been considering trying for, but al at once I could not be bothered. I eased my way along the line of chairs towards the exit. The back of the room was ful with people who had not found seats, and as I went through them I felt a tap on my arm.
    "It's Mr. Ramsey, isn't it?" The woman was a little younger than me. Her hair was just starting to grey, and her eyes were magnified by a pair of large-framed glasses.
    She was smiling, hesitantly.
    "Yes?" Her smile grew. "Oh, good. I thought it was." I continued to stare at her. I had no idea who she was. "I'm sorry, I don't ..."
    "Oh, it's these things." She took the glasses off. It made no difference. "Margaret Thornby. You ran into my car last week."
    Then, of course, I recognised her. "Oh," was al I could think of to say.
    "I spotted you coming out, but I wasn't entirely certain it was you until just now."