...a short sharp bark that is caught between a laugh and a sob. He gestures at her. "Never liked that ring," he says, "always thought it was a bit tacky. Why don't you go into town and get yourself a new one, eh? I...I think you deserve that much at least, don't you? I'll pay; don't tell your mother." Tipping her a melancholy wink he passes her a five pound note and fumbles out of the room, muttering...