Husband.—For my good spirits there is a good reason. I have made, as you know, an engagement to go and visit Hana this evening. But as my old woman has got scent of the affair, thus making it difficult for me to go, I have told her that I mean to perform the religious devotion of abstraction for a whole day and night—a very good denial, is it not? for carrying out my plan of going to see Hana!
Servant.—A very good device indeed, sir.
Husband.—But in connection with it, I want to ask you to do me a good turn. Will you?
Servant.—Pray, what may it be?
Husband.—Why, just simply this: it is that I have told my old woman not to intrude on my devotions; but, being the vixen that she is, who knows but what she may not peep and look in? in which case she would make a fine noise if there were no semblance of a religious practice to be seen; and so, though it is giving you a great deal of trouble, I wish you would oblige me by taking my place until my return.
Servant.—Oh! it would be no trouble; but I shall get such a scolding if found out, that I would rather ask you to excuse me.
Husband.—What nonsense you talk! Do oblige me by taking my place; for I will not allow her to scold you.
Servant.—Oh sir! that is all very well; but pray excuse me for this time.
Husband.—No, no! you must please do this for me; for I will not so much as let her point a finger at you.
Servant.—Please, please let me off!