"Madame, be so kind as to enter your home."
With studied elegance, the Comte put his hat to his breast, or
thereabout, and bowed as he held open the door.
"Oh, M'sieur le Comte; after you," said Francine, in confusion.
"Pass, Madame, and enter the dining-room. We have certain ceremonies to
observe."
Francine dutifully advanced, but kept an eye on the movements of her
consort. When he entered the dining-room and went to the sideboard, she
took an equal number of steps in the same direction. When, having
brought out a bottle and glasses, he turned and came toward her, she
retreated. When he stopped, she stopped, and sat down with the same
exact movement.
"Madame, I offer you a glass of the famous Keragouil Burgundy," began
the Comte, filling her glass. "It is a wine that we De Bonzags have
always kept to welcome our wives and to greet our children. Madame, I
have the honor to drink to the Comtesse de Bonzag."
"Oh, M'sieur le Comte," said Francine, who, watching his manner, emptied
the goblet in one swallow.
"To the health of my ancestors!" continued the Comte, draining the
bottle into the two goblets.
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