"I've always admired fine craftsmanship," Biffy said. "Which I suppose is very easy to say when all I've ever had to do is admire it." He spoke rarely, even to Alexia, of his life before Lord Akeldama. Statements like that were as close as he came to admitting he was born of the aristocratic class.

"I'd be afraid to even attempt it when I haven't got much soul left." This he said wistfully. Biffy hadn't touched a piano since he'd died, afraid to see what became of his talents now that he'd traded his excess soul for immortality.

"At least the hat is simple."