Then said Parlamente--

"We do not laugh because we hear such pretty expressions, though it
is indeed true that every one is disposed to laugh on seeing anybody
stumble or on hearing any one utter an unfitting word, as often happens.
The tongue will trip and cause one word to be used for another, even
by the discreetest and most excellent speakers. But when you men talk
viciously, not from ignorance, but by reason of your own wickedness,
I know of no virtuous woman who does not feel a loathing for such
speakers, and who would not merely refuse to hearken to them, but even
to remain in their company."

"That is very true," responded Geburon. "I have frequently seen women
make the sign of the cross on hearing certain words spoken, and cease
not in doing so after these words had been uttered a second time."

"But how many times," said Simontault, "have they put on their masks (6)
in order to laugh as freely as they pretended to be angry?"

"Yet it were better to do this," said Parlamente, "than to let it be
seen that the talk pleased them."

"Then," said Dagoucin, "you praise a lady's hypocrisy no less than her
virtue?"

"Virtue would be far better," said Longarine, "but, when it is lacking,
recourse must be had to hypocrisy, just as we use our slippers (7) to
disguise our littleness. And it is no small matter to be able to conceal
our imperfections."

8 _Tourets-de-nez_. _See ante_, vol. iii. p. 27, note 5.--Ed.

7 High-heeled slippers or _mules_ were then worn.--B. J.

"By my word," said Hircan, "it were better sometimes to show some slight
imperfection than to cover it so closely with the cloak of virtue."

"It is true," said Ennasuitc, "that a borrowed garment brings the
borrower as much dishonour when he is constrained to return it as it
brought him honour whilst it was being worn, and there is a lady now
living who, by being too eager to conceal a small error, fell into a
greater."

"I think," said Hircan, "that I know whom you mean; in any case,
however, do not pronounce her name."

"Ho! ho!" said Geburon [to Ennasuite], "I give you my vote on condition
that when you have related the story you will tell us the names. We will
swear never to mention them."

"I promise it," said Knnasuite, "for there is nothing that may not be
told in all honour."

[Illustration: 022.jpg Tailpiece]

[Illustration: 023a.jpg The Lord des Cheriots flying from the Prince's Servant]

[The Lord des Cheriot