Mrs and Mr Steptoe, from Los Angeles, live in Claines Hall, near Loose Chippings, Sussex.

Duff makes a deal with Sally that George can get his money if he steals the portrait, claiming he wants the painting because he still loves Mrs Chavender.

At Claines Hall, Joss befriends the butler Chibnall and blackmails Mr Steptoe, who tried to win money off the cook in a game of craps, into dressing correctly for high society.

Mrs Chavender tells Joss she wants a share of Duff's payment for the painting, since she actually lost her money in a stock crash.

Mr Steptoe has lost badly at craps and needs money, so Joss takes a chance and steals the painting.

Duff changes his mind about George and gives him his money, and inadvertently proposes to Mrs Chavender, who accepts, having heard he still loves her.

He declares he will sell Duff the painting and convinces Mrs Steptoe to come with him to Hollywood where there is less rain.

Duff is uncertain about marrying Mrs Chavender, until he realises they are soulmates when she suggests using her portrait in a ham advertisement.

The story was serialised in The Saturday Evening Post from 4 May to 22 June 1940, illustrated by Gilbert Bundy.