Suggested clever responses, if the treasure is actually discovered:
1. " Well all be . . . It must have been left inside !! " This one can actually work, but the accompanied astonished look takes a bit of practice in front of the mirror, out of earshot. All serious B&O buyers must learn this.
2. " I know: It was a surprise to me too. " You have to act quite calm for this one to work. Botox in the case helps. Twitches, darting eyes, beating chest, sweaty palms, and angina pectoris will not help you, and are a dead giveaway: If this occurs, ensure that the door and windows were FIRST unlocked to assist in your cunningly rapid getaway.
3. " Actually, I was just going to tell you about that. " Verify the actual distance to the local Emergency room first, before you try this one whilst smiling.
4. " What do you mean this NEW ONE: Why I've had that piece for years ? " A shocked, indignant look akin to Rumpole or Oliver Hardy, might in fact pull it off. But if she spins and heads for the Kitchen, exit the nearest door immediately and fast.
5. My favourite: " Isn't it exciting . . I won it free on EBAY with a good buyer coupon ! "
This caper requires a brief explanation, with constant raised eyebrows, which you can then make dull, boring and extrapolated to the point of her giving up. If employed, be prepared to first cut and paste an EBAY logo onto a some fraud of a pedigree document attesting your name, address, and good buyer qualities, ad nauseum. Make sure your PC or MAC is also off and unplugged so she can't verify it.
Please note Nr. 5 now replaces the previous " Hey... I won it at ( Your choice: Ye Olde Foghorn, Die Alte Junge, The Brass Rail, etc. ) playing darts " which has been retired after a long and successful engagement with stereo enthusiasts around the World.
PS: Always remove large swinging objects from the room first, such as golf clubs, fireplace pokers, antique swords, clubs, guns, and any surgical instruments found.