I told ~venus~ that it wasn't nice to gossip.

As I fastened the massive wooden object around her neck and inserted her wrists, I explained to her how in olden times gossips were made to wear a device called the Shrew's Fiddle as punishment for too much idle talk.

She seemed sufficiently subdued and penitent having to wear the heavy, awkward device when I left the room.

When I returned two minutes later she was on the phone to her girlfriend.

Sometimes we have to rely on more modern technology.