“Good morning, sir,” said the salesman in a heavy Italian accent, smiling at Osten with unconcealed admiration and swishing behind the counter like a ballet dancer. “Can I be of service to you?” “Yes,” said Osten, “indirectly.” And pointing at a gold wristwatch in the window, he said, “I like that watch.” “My compliments on your taste,” the salesman breathed, all smiles, as he removed the watch from the window. “This is the thinnest watch ever made. And,” he added with a suggestive flash of his eye, “it’s a unisex design.” As Osten examined the watch, he pictured it on Donna’s dark wrist. “How much is it?” he asked. Naming the price, the salesman forced a casual smile. “It is truly a timeless timepiece. Its value will never go down. Therefore, it’s a very good hedge against inflation—even at the price of a Cadillac!” “I don’t plan to hedge inflation with it,” said Osten. “It’s a gift for a friend.” “Marvelous choice,” purred the salesman.
