Section 8 (pages 94-120) Summary

Ouisa explains to the audience that she and Flan are bidding on a painting by Henri Matisse that evening. Flan, addressing the audience, begins to talk about how high they will bid, but Ouisa interrupts him and tells him not to say the amount. However, he continues and tells the audience they will pay over 25 million for the painting. He goes on to explain that he won't make much money on the deal, but that he will enter a new market as a result of the sale. He mentions Geoffrey, their South African friend.

Ouisa explains to the audience that the auction is black-tie at Sotheby's. Flan is sure they will get the painting, which they will own for a few hours before shipping it off to its eventual owner. Flan leaves, and Ouisa phones Tess, who appears on...