The next forfeit was Madame Monin’s, who was told to take a trip to Cythera. She sprang to her feet and offered her hand to Monsieur Bisbis, saying:
“Come and travel with me.”
The stout man submitted to be led into a small study, the door of which Madame Monin closed behind them, and Monsieur Monin, observing the manœuvre, said to one of his neighbors:
“What are they going to do in there?”
“They’re in Cythera.”
“Oh, yes! I see what it is—another confidence; she’s going to tell him that it’s a fine day to-day. I know the game now.”
After remaining some time, Bichette and her companion returned from Cythera; and some ladies noticed that the turban was somewhat out of place, and that Monsieur Bisbis did not know which leg to stand on—all of which did not prevent Monin from going to meet his wife and asking:
“Is it nice, Bichette?”
“What, monsieur?”
“At Cythera.”