His absence saved the flaying of my nasal organ.

I explained that it was the custom in England for ladies to collect the photographs of their men friends, and use them misguidedly for purposes of decoration.
"But this," said Carlotta, opening out her arms in an exaggerated way, "is such a big one." "Ah, that," I answered, "is because I am very beautiful." Carlotta shrieked with laughter.

The exquisite comicality of the jest occasioned bubbling comments of mirth during the rest of the meal, and her original indiscreet question was happily forgotten..