Pater. (taking up card). Well, here's a yacht in full sail.
Mater. Oh, how cruel! It will remind her of her cousin who was lost at sea!
Pater. (selecting another sketch). Then why not this bouquet of flowers?
Mater. Not for worlds! One never knows what the flowers may mean, and we might offend her.
Pater. (trying again). Well, here is a windmill.
Mater. My dear John, you are absolutely provoking. A windmill is suggestive of frivolity, and I wouldn't let Mrs. Brown think that we meant that on any account.
Pater. (making another selection). Well, here's a parrot in a cage.
Mater. You surely are not serious? Fancy sending such a card! Why, as everyone knows that dear Mrs. Brown is rather talkative, all the world would say it was an "insult."
Pater. (losing patience). Oh, hang Mrs. Brown!
Mater. I am ashamed of you, John! And I suppose you would hang the cards, too! You would curse "Merry Christmas."