I can use strings and numbers as simple variables, eg:

  a = 45
  b = 54
  c = a + b
  puts c

If I try and create my own object, which may be usable as a number but
do some other book-keeping in the background, I have to change this to

  a.value = 45
  b.value = 54
  c.value = a.value + b.value
  puts c.value

Which obviously isn't as nice.

Is there any way to make an object return its value on a simple reference
rather than having to make an explicit method/accessor call?

-- 
  spwhite / chariot.net.au