[Miranda_]

"Simon West," said the dealer, holding out a hand to shake. He was very well known in the city. His wife stood a little way behind him, wrapped in furs; she always liked to stand near her husband whenever he bid for new stock. She'd tied her own pet to the railings for that very reason.

"May I take my property? I've got the check right here," said Mr West, taking out a platinum edged checkbook and matching pen from his pocket.