Several persons had met together in a Scotch drawing-room, and were passing the evening in playing at simple games. One of these games consisted in each person going out of the room in turn, while the company agreed upon a word to be guessed at by the absent member on his or her return.
A young lady had just gone out of the room.
During her absence the word passionately was chosen.
The young lady having been recalled, each member of the party in turn went through a little performance that should lead her to guess the word, addressing her in passionate language, while expressing with the features as much love, despair, or anger, as possible.
A Scotchman, who looked ill at ease, whispered in my friend's ear:
"What must I do?"
"Try to look madly in love," said my friend, ready to burst out laughing at the sight of the long serious face of his neighbour.
"Couldn't you suggest me something to say?"
"Why, make the young lady a declaration of love. Say: 'It is useless to hide my feelings from you any longer; I love you, I adore you,' and then throw yourself at her feet and——"
"Excuse me," said the poor fellow quite upset, "but I'm married."