that she would never forsake her, but would protect her from her
husband's wrath.

When the morrow was come and dinner was over, the gentleman was more
pleasant with his wife than ever, and although this was not very
agreeable to her, she dissembled so well that he did not perceive the
truth.

After dinner she asked him how he was minded to pass away the time, and
he answered that he knew of nothing better than to play at "cent." (3)
Forthwith everything was made ready for the game, but the lady pretended
that she did not care to take part in it, and would find diversion
enough in looking at the players.

3 This is probably a reference to the card game now called
piquet, usually played for a hundred points. It is one of
the oldest of its kind. See Rabelais' _Gargantua_, book i.
chap, xxii.--L.

Just before he sat down to play, the gentleman failed not to ask the
girl to remember her promise to him, and while he was playing she passed
through the room, making a sign to her mistress which signified that
she was about to set out on the pilgrimage she had to make. The sign was
clearly seen by the lady, but her husband perceived nothing of it.

An hour later, however, one of his servants made him a sign from a
distance, whereupon he told his wife that his head ached somewhat, and
that he must needs rest and take the air. She, knowing the nature of his
sickness as well as he did himself, asked him whether she should play
in his stead, and he consented, saying that he would very soon return.