"No, my Sultana; price of the ribbon."
"What was it you said about a kiss?"
"I didn't mention a kiss, my Empress."
"Yes, you did; I heard you."
"No, my Juno, I said, Qu'est ce que c'est?"
"Ah? 'Kiss Kissay.' That was what I heard. How do you spell it?"
She produces a pocket dictionary, with whose aid she designs during the next few days to learn the French language, and I am obliged to spell out my remark while she dubiously translates it word for word. The literal translation comes out thus—
French—Qu'est ce que c'est?
English—What is this, what this is?
"'What is this, what this is'?" Madame solemnly repeats; "is that all you said to the girl?"