Robert and Karen were on their way to a party. As they walked through the hotel lobby toward the elevator, Robert said, “Karen my dear, I have something for you.”

Karen’s eyes sparkled like perfect round diamonds set in a necklace of platinum and cultured pearls. “Ooh, Darling! Is it that adorable little trinket we saw in Tiffany’s last week?”

“No, my sweet. I’m afraid not. This is something a little more expensive.” Robert withdrew an envelope from the inside pocket of his tuxedo.

Karen looked both puzzled and disappointed as she opened the envelope. When she read the piece of paper inside, her expression became one of delight. “Darling! My gambling marker! You paid it!”

“Of course. My dear, your legs are spectacular. We can’t have anybody breaking them, can we?”

“Darling, you have no idea how much this means to me!” Karen stepped forward to embrace Robert.

He held up his hand, stopping her. “I know exactly how much it means to you, Dearest. Thirty-four thousand, eight hundred fifty dollars. I have to tell you I’m not pleased.”

“Oh, Darling! Neither am I. I’m very disappointed, and I’ve learned my lesson. ‘Never pick the road favorite to beat the spread in a playoff game.”

Robert pushed the button to bring the elevator. “This goes beyond road favorites, my Love. Some people would say you’ve got a gambling problem.”

“I only have a problem when I lose, Darling. I admit I’m in a bit of a slump lately…”

“Thirty five thousand dollars isn’t a slump, Precious. It’s money. More precisely, it’s my money. And this isn’t the first time I’ve found a dead animal carcass on the doorstep and had to reach for my checkbook.”

Karen bit her lip and looked down at her thousand dollar Italian made pumps. “I’m sorry, Darling.”

The elevator doors opened. Robert and Karen stepped inside and Robert pressed the button for the top floor. “I know you are, my Love. I accept your apology, but I am still a little peeved.”

Karen stepped toward Robert again and she ran her hand along his arm and shoulder. She played with Robert’s ear with her other hand. “Thank you, Darling. I’d be delighted to make it up to you any way I can.”

For the first time, Robert smiled. He said, “I’m glad you said that, Dearest. While I do forgive you, I still believe that some punishment is warranted in this case.”

“Punishment?” Karen’s eyes lit up again.

“Yes, my Heart. You’ve been a very bad girl, and you must be punished.”

Karen smiled. “Oh, Darling Robert! I do so love you! How am I to make my it up to you?”

The elevator doors opened. Robert and Karen walked through the hall to the Presidential Suite.

Robert said, “My Dearest Karen, listen closely. At some point in the evening, somebody is going to say two words to you.”

“Two words.” Karen was bubbling with excitement.

“Those two words are ‘Rabbit Stew.’ When you hear those two words, you are to do exactly what the speaker tells you to.