She shoves her hands into her pockets, cursing herself for leaving her gloves on Ray’s counter. Cursing Ray. She checks her reflection in a shop window. She’s not wearing much make-up. She doesn’t look like a film star, but she’s dressed herself carefully for the day and her hat is smart enough. She tilts her head, beginning to imagine her story. Today, she decides, she is a well-connected young woman who has lost her purse and needs assistance. It’s an old trick she’s played a few times – although never in this part of town.

She could be an actress, if she wanted. Play in the movies.

She sees her mark long before he notices her. Of course, he will notice her. She will make certain of it. He is old, well over fifty, possibly sixty, and immaculately attired in a grey suit and dark overcoat. His hat is placed with care on his head, so he’s either very precise or else has a servant to check his appearance before he leaves the house. Even at a distance, she can see that his shoes have been polished.

He has just left the bank on the corner, which is a good sign.

He reaches inside his coat and pulls out a pocket watch. The gold shines, even on this dank morning. He’s a man of character and distinction. She likes him already.

She begins before he catches sight of her, rubbing her eyes hard to make them red. Then she walks towards him: a young woman, down on her luck, miserable about something that has devastated her world. He sees her, of course. She is fragile, beautiful and tragic. She pretends not to notice him, but then accidentally jolts his shoulder as she walks into him.

‘Oh, I am so sorry,’ she begins, her voice weak and faltering. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going. I’m so very sorry.’

‘Not at all, don’t worry about it.’ He lifts his hat politely and peers down at her.

Ruby peeps up with shy eyes, like a startled animal, and gives him a watery smile. ‘Thank you.’

She makes as though to walk away, but, as she anticipated, he catches her arm and gives her an enquiring look.

‘If you don’t mind my saying so, you look quite out of sorts, miss. Is there anything wrong?’

A tear forms in Ruby’s right eye, and then another in the left. Two perfect globes of water begin to make their way down her cheeks. She can cry on demand – it is a trick she has practised for many hours in front of a mirror.