“In olden times it was to have her tongue torn out by the roots.”
“But the Serpent had just given her one, I tell you.”
“Nowadays, I expect, the punishment will be modified. Strict silence on penalty of death, maybe.”
“But if the Serpent has given her a tongue, who then dare take it away?”
“How has the Serpent given her one?”
“I tell you, before she was dumb.”
“Impossible! No woman was ever so afflicted—worse luck!”
“I tell you she was dumb, and is cured. She said to me at the door, ‘Bon soir, monsieur. Adieu!’ Very pretty words,” and he mimicked the tone and gesture.
“This is sheer madness. There is no sense in the words!” cried another.
“Is it necessary for women to speak sense?” asked James Peter.