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‘And she’s right to do so,’ said William, ‘but all I can say is you won’t be disappointed’

Tilass with a spoon several ti and turned to face him

‘In the past,’ he said, ‘we have always considered The Syndics to be the star of our galaxy, but when this second curtain is opened, I wonder if you will consider that a genuine rival has joined the firmament’

Without another word, he pulled the cord to reveal Rubens’ Christ’s Descent froasps, followed by thunderous applause

‘This a addition to our collection,’ he continued, once the ovation had subsided, ‘has been enerosity of the well-known collector and philanthropist Mr Miles Faulkner As he is with us this evening, I ask you all to raise a glass and drink his health’

‘Count me out,’ muttered Willialasses

‘Count ot so e in the Fitzmolean’

‘I’d hang him first,’ said William

‘I think I’d better go and rescueclose to his bedti back to work tomorrow’

William nodded ‘I’ll join you in a moment,’ he said, unable to tear himself away from the Rubens

‘I shall miss my favourite work of art,’ said a voice from behind him

Willia the Rubens, but he refused to acknowledge hi, ‘Should you ever find yourself in New York, Constable Warwick, do give me a call, because I’d like to invite you round to my apartment on Fifth Avenue for a drink’

‘Why would I want to do that?’ said Willia out the words

Faulkner leant forward and whispered in his ear, ‘Because then I can show you the original’