90° in the Shade
by Eugène Labiche, Emanuel (Jimmy) Wax

THE STORY: It is the custom of Hector Pomadour to invite his friends to his home on Sunday for lunch and games.

On this occasion, one guest has run into another gentleman on his way and has invited him to join the group.

Hector is delighted, as Adolphe Dumanoir seems to be a man worth knowing—at least, that is, until he is caught hugging and kissing Hector’s wife.

This calls for a duel, of course, despite the summer heat—and after Hector has been assured by his friends that the guilty Dumanoir would never think of defending himself.

When Dumanoir makes it clear that he has no intention of being so foolishly gallant, the picture changes; and while Hector and the others huddle to discuss strategy, Madame Pomadour and Dumanoir hatch a little plot of their own.

Dumanoir agrees to let Hector off with a scratch, provided that Madame P. gives him another kiss.

This she does, only to be discovered again, provoking greater outrage.

But ingenuity comes to the fore, honor is satisfied, and all ends in a spirit of jovial camaraderie.