The Wind Up

'New watch battery is it Mr Walport?' said Mr Dalbey 'you ought to buy one of my self winding watches, save yourself a fortune, just got a new range in, very smart'.
Mr Walport did not jump at this suggestion any more than the last time, when Dalbey's… (Put a smile on her face. Jewellers to the Elite)… had suggested a long case Grandfather clock, quarter chimes optional, instead of a watch battery £4.50 (including free fitting)
'Err yes, just the battery please Mr Dalbey, could you fit it?' said Mr Walport … (Walport's Emporium. Toiletries to the Discerning)… handing over his watch circa. Texaco garage 1986. 'Certainly' said Mr Dalbey, 'Carol, new battery for Mr Walport's watch' Carol appeared from behind a curtain then disappeared then reappeared, handing over the watch and 50p change.
Mr Walport lingered 'Could I see some rings Mr Dalbey?' Mr Dalbey quivered 'Of course Mr Walport, what type of ring? A man's, or' he hesitated 'a ladies ring?' Mr Walport said 'A ladies ring Mr Dalbey' Mr Dalbey's pulse pulsed 'Wedding bells Mr Walport! An engagement ring? Is the lucky lady close by?' Mr Walport moved to the counter and dropped his voice 'Look Mr Dalbey I just need to see what's available, scout ahead sort of thing, you know'.
Mr Dalbey knew! 'How much did you want to spend Mr Walport?' he said 'a good ring can increase in value you know!' then he quickly dived down beneath the counter, surfacing with a tray of rings, each with its price tag attached.
Mr Walport peered at the tray and picked up a solitaire ring, Mr Dalbey glowed with approval 'You've a good eye Mr Walport I couldn't have picked better. That's a 0.43 carat, natural diamond, in a 22 carat gold setting on a solid gold and platinum band fused into a perfect ring'
Mr Walport looked at the tag. 'I can't see the price Mr Dalbey!' Mr Dalbey leaned forward 'Never mind the tag price Mr Walport' he said 'a special price for you £3,500, a real bargain' Mr Walport looked up visibly shaken. 'Chair for Mr Walport Carol if you please, quickly now' said Mr Dalbey.
Carol rushed round the counter and just managed to slide a chair under Mr Walport's bottom as he descended, it stopped him sliding to the floor but not from pitching face forward into the tray of rings'
Later when the ambulance had gone and the crowds had dispersed Mr Dalbey returned to his business, he tidied up the ring tray and placed it back under the glass counter top.
'What a terrible thing to have happened Mr Dalbey' said Carol. Mr Dalbey heaved a sigh 'Yes' he said 'still he did buy the watch battery it wasn't a total loss'…