I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

Bought a refill for my foundation and a new compact thingy this afternoon and, just as the shop assistant is handing me a receipt for the $61 I'd spent, she says, "By the way, we're having a special promotion next week. If you buy something you'll get free gifts; creams and lipsticks."

"And how much would I have to spend?" I ask.

"$60," she says with a wide smile.

You'll be pleased to know I resisted the urge to hex her.

A request for my well-read flist: I was watching the The First Tuesday Book Club and one of the commentators mentioned that The Collector by John Fowles has the best last line ever written. Google has failed me; has anyone read it? Could you tell me this fantastic last line? Don't worry about spoiling me, I know the characters and plot. And if you want to tell me how it ends, go for it. I doubt I'll get a chance to read it and I don't mind being spoiled.

ETA: snakeling came through for me.