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diff --git a/old/51540-h/51540-h.htm b/old/51540-h/51540-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 321e22a..0000000 --- a/old/51540-h/51540-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12638 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Fun For the Household, by Emma J. Gray.. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4 { margin-bottom: 0; - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - .faux { - font-size: 0.5em; /*this font size could be anything */ - visibility: hidden;} - -p { - margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - text-indent: 1.25em; - margin-bottom: .75em; -} - .maintitle {font-size: 200%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - .copyright {text-align: center; font-size: 70%; text-indent: 0;} - .adtitle2 {font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - .author {font-size: 120%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - div.hangsection {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 7em; margin-right: 7em;} - div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - .sig {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;} - - - img {border: 0;} - .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; - padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; text-indent: 0;} - - .unindent {margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - text-indent: 0;} -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.full {width: 95%;} - -ul { list-style-type: none; } - -.brb {border-right: 1px solid black; border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black;} - -/* Poetry */ -.poetry-container -{ - text-align: center; -} - -.poetry -{ - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; -} - -.poetry .stanza -{ - margin: 1em auto; -} - -.poetry .verse -{ - text-indent: -3em; - padding-left: 3em; -} - - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - text-indent: 0;} /* page numbers */ - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - -.right {text-align: right; text-indent: 0;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - - -@media handheld -{ - .chapter - { - page-break-before: always; - } - - h2.no-break - { - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; - } - - .poetry - { - display: block; - margin-left: 1.5em; - } - -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Fun for the Household, by Emma J. Gray - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Fun for the Household - A Book of Games - -Author: Emma J. Gray - -Release Date: March 24, 2016 [EBook #51540] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FUN FOR THE HOUSEHOLD *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Emmy and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<h1 class="faux">Fun for the Household.</h1> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 487px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="487" height="800" alt="cover: This cover was created by the transcriber by putting color on the tiitle page and is placed in the public domain" /> -</div> -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="maintitle">Fun for the Household.</div> - -<div class="adtitle2">A BOOK OF GAMES.</div> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 549px;"> -<img src="images/i_title.jpg" width="549" height="390" alt="groupo of people playing a game, one man blindfolded in center of room" /> -</div> - -<p class="center"><br /><br /><br /> -<small>BY</small><br /> -<br /> -<span class="author">EMMA J. GRAY.</span><br /> -<br /><br />——————<br /> -<br /><br /> -<small>PUBLISHED BY</small><br /> -<b>THE CHRISTIAN HERALD.</b><br /> -<span class="smcap">Louis Klopsch</span>, Proprietor,<br /> -BIBLE HOUSE, NEW YORK.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - -<p class="copyright"> -Copyright 1897<br /> -<span class="smcap">By</span> LOUIS KLOPSCH.<br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> -<img src="images/emblem.jpg" width="137" height="139" alt="Emblem: PRESS·OF·J·J·LITTLE·&·CO ASTOR PLACE·NEW·YORK" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - - - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> -<tr> -<td align="left"> </td> -<td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Introductory</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Little Folks</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Boys and Girls</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Grown-Ups</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Special Fêtes</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Methods of Choosing Partners</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Tangles and Forfeits</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">In the Adirondacks</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_204">204</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">The Flower Test</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Hours with the Poets</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">“Thank You!”</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">A Story within a Story</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Orrin the Bootblack</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Breakfast Table Decorations</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">How they Planted the Nasturtiums</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">A Garden Party</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">The King’s Children</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_281">281</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">For the Boys</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_287">287</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">I wish I were a General</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">A Hebrew Christian</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">The Baby’s Lesson</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_305">305</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Parlor Fortune Telling</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_308">308</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Church Courtesy</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_314">314</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">A Brave Boy</td> -<td align="right"><a href="#Page_317">317</a></td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a><br /><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>INTRODUCTORY.</h2> - - -<p>When children have passed beyond the rattle age, -they reach out their hands for baa-lambs, woolly sheep, -cows with bells, cats that meaw, and dogs that say -bow-wow.</p> - -<p>The next advance in amusement is to play with a toy -that goes on wheels, and therefore for a half hour at a -time, little folk will be content by drawing around the -nursery such toys as trains of cars, horses with long -tails, express wagons, etc., etc.; and then follows the -period when pretty lady dolls must go out to drive in -a pretty carriage accompanied by mistress baby, whose -chubby hands push the doll’s carriage ahead, and -nurse’s ever vigilant eyes keep watch, so that neither -baby nor the baby’s doll, like the historic Jack and -Jill, fall down and break their crown. And mechanical -dollies are also in demand,—lady dolls that lift their -veils, smile and bow; gentlemen dolls that are orchestrian -leaders; boy dolls that can turn somersaults -and effect other athletic feats. And about this time if -nurse is careful to keep sharp eyes on the scissors, -colored pictures may be cut out and pasted in scrapbooks, -or paper dolls may be arrayed as their youthful -mothers desire. Or bright pieces of silk may be sewed -together, provided the thread is tied into the needle’s -eye, so that it cannot be pulled out. Or wonderful -castles may be built with packs of cards, or towers and -steeples with building blocks. Noah’s ark will do -great service, as will also tops that spin, and hoops that -may be rolled or twirled, and drums that may be beat, -and whistles and horns that may be blown.</p> - -<p>But, notwithstanding all the toys and amusement -therefrom, there will be heard the oftentimes plaintive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -wail, “Play with me, please play with me.” And then -it is that the wise mother or nurse will introduce a -simple game. Perhaps Puss in the Corner, or Blind -Man’s Buff, or perhaps hide behind a large chair or -screen and call aloud, “Where am I?” and such a -mischievous laugh will follow when the toddling child -finds the one who has thus hidden!</p> - -<p>From this period game follows game, just as naturally -as year follows year, and even when the little tot -has grown to womanhood or manhood, the cry is still -heard, “Play with me, please play with me,” thus illustrating -the trite words, men and women are only -children grown up.</p> - -<p>Therefore the variety of games within this book: -Games suitable for all ages, for all temperaments; -games for the house, and games for the field; games -for the girls, and, games for the boys; games for the -young, and games for the old; games for St. Valentine’s -Day, games for Christmas Day,—games for all -seasons, games for all climes. Thus may the year be -filled with jollity.</p> - -<p>Several games in this volume were originally published -in the periodicals of Messrs. Harper & Brothers, -and are reprinted by their kind permission.</p> - -<p class="sig"> -<span class="smcap">Emma J. Gray.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>FUN FOR THE HOUSEHOLD.</h2> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h2>LITTLE FOLKS.</h2> - - -<h3>A LITTLE CHILD’S PARTY.</h3> - -<p>Invite both boys and girls for a short -frolic. Between three and five o’clock in -the afternoon would be excellent hours.</p> - -<p>Provide for their entertainment, flowers, -birds, worsted and rubber balls, dolls, tea-services, -horses, whips, and music. If you -have a music-box it will prove very serviceable. -The children will be much interested; -some of the shorter ones will stand on tiptoe, -the better to discover the way the wheels -go around.</p> - -<p>Two or more grown people should -be present; those who understand little -children, and have a knack in amusing -them.</p> - -<p>The toys will greatly aid in getting the -children acquainted. Play ball with the -boys, throwing it lightly back and forth. -Set out the tea-services. Show off the dollies. -Put a small boy on a hobby horse, -and start the horse on a trot, and after he -has his ride, give another boy his turn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -After a while play polkas and waltzes, and -then</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">What a merry rout,</div> -<div class="verse">See the wee ones dance about!</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Change the amusement. Show them -flowers, canary birds, butterflies, anything -you may have to attract, always remembering -the toys and going back to them again -and again.</p> - -<p>Low chairs and hassocks will make it -easier for the little people than to have to -climb into the great chairs and sofas used -by older folks.</p> - -<p>Refreshments should be exceedingly simple, -and a souvenir, such as a cornucopia -or handful of motto-papers, gayly tinted and -full of candy, will be much appreciated.</p> - - -<h3>THE FARMER’S SONG.</h3> - -<p class="center"><i>A Motion Game.</i></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">As over the field the farmer goes,</div> -<div class="verse">And grain by grain he sows in the rows,</div> -<div class="verse">He sings and shouts, Oh, you crows, you crows,</div> -<div class="verse">Keep away from my rows, away from my rows.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">This is the way the glad farmer reaps</div> -<div class="verse">His wheat, and when it is bunched he keeps</div> -<div class="verse">An eye on all his workers around,</div> -<div class="verse">And laughs at their faces, merry and round.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">This is the way the glad farmer binds</div> -<div class="verse">All the ripe sheaves he’s able to find,</div> -<div class="verse">And when no more wheat is on the ground,</div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>He laughs ha, ha, ha, and turns all around.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Hurrah, hurrah for the farmer bold</div> -<div class="verse">He laughs and is merry e’en when ’tis cold,</div> -<div class="verse">He shouts ha, ha, on an August day,</div> -<div class="verse">And gathers his wheat as if ’twas his play.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Oh, who would not be a farmer lad,</div> -<div class="verse">And clap one’s hands hard and never be sad,</div> -<div class="verse">And sing, while working all the day long,</div> -<div class="verse">I’m jolly and happy and brave and strong?</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Let all the players form a ring, with a boy -in the centre for farmer. After the song is -sung through, the farmer must choose two -players to clasp their hands and raise them, -thus forming an arch. The ring having -broken, now forms a long line, and one by -one each individual passes under the arch, -singing as they go,</p> - -<div class="center"> -Oh, who would not be a farmer lad, -</div> - -<p class="unindent">and with the last word of the verse the arch -falls, and thus some one is caught, and he -or she is now farmer. A ring is then again -formed, and the game proceeds as before.</p> - -<p>This being a motion game, the words of -the song must be acted. Every child has -seen farmers sow, reap and bind, and while -singing those words they must copy the -farmer (the boy in the ring) as nearly as -possible, also remember to clap the hands, -turn around, etc., at the proper time, indeed -lose no opportunity to act the words as -well as to sing them. Tune, “Oats, peas, -beans, and barley grows.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>THE PIE-MAN’S SONG.</h3> - -<p class="center"><i>A Motion Game.</i></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Solo.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body meet a body, coming to my fire,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body greet a body, why should I have ire?</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">All the lassies and the laddies</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Come to me and buy</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Buns and bread and muffins sweet,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And all my jelly pie.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Chorus.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">This is the way the pie-man takes</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The roller to smooth the crust he makes;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Then putting the crust in a bright tin pan.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">He fills it with quince and raspberry jam.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">This way the pie-man carries bread,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Holding the board on top of his head;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">While to the oven he hurries along,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">All the time merrily singing his song.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Solo.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body meet a body, coming to my fire,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body greet a body, why should I have ire? etc.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Chorus.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">This is the way we eat the cakes,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And pies and buns the pie-man makes,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And when we are through we ask yet for more,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">While we dance on the baker’s clean wood floor.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Then we run as fast as we can,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">And leave this jolly baker man,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">While to the oven he hurries along,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">All the time merrily singing his song.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Solo.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body meet a body, coming to my fire,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">If a body greet a body, why should I have ire? etc.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - -<p>The verses may be sung to the tune, “Pop -Goes the Weasel.” The solo is sung by the -baker, to the tune, “Coming Through the -Rye.”</p> - -<p>All the children should sing and imitate -the pieman, who illustrates each action that -is mentioned.</p> - - -<h3>FLY SOUTH.</h3> - -<p>Very small children would delight in playing -Fly South.</p> - -<p>All the players should sit around a table, -and each having put their right hand on it, -the leader should exclaim, “Fly South, -Sparrow.” The second that this is said -everybody must lift their hand, and then at -once put it down as before. Again the -leader speaks, perhaps to say, “Fly South, -Pigeon,” and instantly the players must act -as at the first command.</p> - -<p>But if on the contrary something is named -that cannot fly, such as, “Fly South, Bear,” -or “Fly South, Cat,” the players must keep -their hands on the table. All removing them -at the wrong time should pay a forfeit.</p> - -<p>The leader should speak rapidly, in order -to catch all he can.</p> - - -<h3>THREE BLIND MICE.</h3> - -<p>Ask three small boys to be blindfolded. -When this is done, and they each state that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -they cannot see, even the least little bit, a -big sister or mother should say, “You are -three blind mice and I am the farmer’s -wife, and I am going to run, and as soon as I -count three you must run after me. Whoever -catches me first shall have a big apple; whoever -catches me second shall have two big -apples; and when I am caught by the third -I shall present that blind mouse with three -big apples.”</p> - -<p>Having made the above explanation, the -farmer’s wife deliberately counts one, two, -three, and on the instant three is spoken, -the blind mice run.</p> - -<p>As soon as the running starts, all others -sing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Three blind mice, see how they run,</div> -<div class="verse">They all ran after the farmer’s wife.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>This may be sung over and over until the -blind mice succeed. Having run a few moments, -the farmer’s wife should allow herself -to be caught, as this game being particularly -suited to little children, they would -not have the skill in catching known to -older people.</p> - -<p>If it is not convenient to give apples as -reward, substitute something else. Almost -any trifling gift would do.</p> - -<p>While running is in continuance, be careful -the children do not trip.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>THE HOLIDAY CALENDAR.</h3> - -<p>“I have a holiday calendar,” a little boy -should say to a little girl.</p> - -<p>“Where is it?”</p> - -<p>“Here.” And directly he holds up his -hand with fingers spread towards her.</p> - -<p>“See my five fingers. They stand for -our five holidays.” Then touching his -thumb he should continue,</p> - -<p>“This is for Mayday, so sweet,” and then -touching the finger next, “Jolly Fourth, -with its noise,” afterwards indicating the -middle finger, “Thanksgiving and pumpkin -pies,” and touching the next finger, -“Christmas, for girls and boys,” and holding -up his little finger concludes, “Happy -New Year to all.”</p> - - -<h3>THE SEA AND HER CHILDREN.</h3> - -<p>The players, with the exception of one -sent from the room, must be seated in a -circle. The person having left will represent -the Sea. All others must now decide -on an assumed name, which is also the -name of a fish; for example, trout, red -snapper, pickerel. This done, the Sea returns -and walks slowly around the outside -of the ring, calling her children, one after -another, by the different names they have -selected, until all have risen and followed -her. Then the Sea must run with a varied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -motion, sometimes rapid, sometimes slow, -exclaiming, “The Sea is troubled! the Sea -is troubled!” Suddenly she seats herself, -and her example is followed by her children. -The unfortunate individual who is unable to -secure a chair becomes the Sea, and the -game is continued as before.</p> - - -<h3>CINDERELLA’S SLIPPER.</h3> - -<p>Every child has heard the pretty story of -Cinderella and her glass slipper. Now learn -who will have bright enough eyes to find it.</p> - -<p>The fairy godmother cannot really let you -have Cinderella’s slipper, but she allows any -of the children to hunt for a slipper that is -made of fur, or trimmed with fur. This -slipper should have Cinderella’s card pinned -to it, and whoever finds the slipper should -be given the card as a souvenir.</p> - -<p>Cinderella’s slipper should be well hidden, -but not where little people could not reach. -While the hunt is in progress, whoever has -hidden the slipper should call “Warm, -Warmer, Cold, Colder,” as the children get -nearer or further away.</p> - - -<h3>THE MAN IN THE MOON.</h3> - -<p>Have a circle two feet in diameter cut out -of plain white paper. At the time the game -is to be played some one should pin this on -the back of the Lord of Misrule. He must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -then whistle and caper all about the room, -thus attracting attention, and seat himself -at the piano, and sing at the top of his -lungs,</p> - -<div class="center"> -Girls and boys, come out to play.</div> - -<p>As soon as he sings the word <i>play</i>, every -girl and boy rushes forward and catching -each other by the hand, they dance and skip -about to the tune played by the Lord of -Misrule, while all sing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Girls and boys come out to play,</div> -<div class="verse">The moon doth shine as bright as day,</div> -<div class="verse">Leave your supper and leave your sleep,</div> -<div class="verse">And meet your playfellows in the street,</div> -<div class="verse">Come with a whoop and come with a call.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The second the words whoop and call are -uttered the most throat-splitting whoops and -calls should be given; such as cat calls, -wild beast groans, crying, barking, bird -notes, etc. The circle disbands during the -laughter and confusion, but the game may -be played over and over as long as the Man -of the Moon shall will.</p> - - -<h3>HOW MANY?</h3> - -<p>This is really a game of guess. Shake a -small bag full of beans before the children, -and ask each to guess how many beans are -inside.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> - -<p>It will be amusing to watch the eagerness -which all will show, and how far apart the -guesses will be.</p> - -<p>Whoever comes nearest to the correct -number should be presented with the bag of -beans. And this gift will immediately afford -healthful and jolly entertainment, because -the bean-bag should be tossed and caught -by one and another until the rosy-cheeked -and out-of-breath children call a halt.</p> - - -<h3>ALPHABETICAL PLAY.</h3> - -<p>Cut out a square of cardboard, six inches -wide by six inches long. Put an eyelet in -each of the two upper corners and run tape -or ribbon through. Cut it of sufficient length -to go over a child’s head. The children -should wear the cardboard as if it was a -breastplate.</p> - -<p>You should have twenty-six children, and -you will therefore require twenty-six pieces -of cardboard. In the centre of each piece, -paint a letter of the alphabet. Should you -have fewer children, paint two or more -letters on each cardboard, for you must use -the entire alphabet.</p> - -<p>The children should first march up and -down in alphabetical order, keeping time to -music. They may then join hands in couples -and skip or waltz or whatever pleasing movements -may be suggested.</p> - -<p>After these exercises call for words, being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -careful which words you will require if you -have doubled or trebled the letters. As each -word is called, the child wearing the first -letter steps forward, then the one wearing the -second letter comes and stands by her side, -and so on, until the word is spelled.</p> - -<p>Very short and simple words should be -called if the children are not sufficiently -advanced to allow for longer or more difficult -ones. Dog, Cat, Bird, will furnish just -as much amusement as Prodigy, Yclept, -Bask.</p> - -<p>Intersperse the word exercises with -marches and other movements, such as -“Right-about-face,” to be done by a chord, -or “wheel to the left,” to be done by another. -Form squares and circles. Join -hands, thus making a ring. Into this ring the -letter A goes, the others skip around her, until -she makes a motion like something commencing -with A; for example, Apple, which she -pretends to eat. One or more of the company -guesses what word she represents, and -then B enters the ring, and so on as long as -the game amuses.</p> - - -<h3>BLINDFOLDED PLATTER TWIRLING.</h3> - -<p>This game is similar to the old-time favorite.</p> - -<p>All players should sit in a circle, and each -number themselves in rotation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> - -<p>Two of the party should be blindfolded. -They are then each given a platter, and they -enter the ring.</p> - -<p>The others call, one, two, three. As soon -as three is called, those inside the ring twirl -the platters, and at the same moment they -each shout a number which corresponds to -two of the players in the circle. Should -either of the bearers of the numbers catch -his platter before it falls, the original twirler -must try over again and continue to twirl -and call until the platter is not caught.</p> - -<p>But should the platter have fallen before -the child bearing the number called has -caught it, he must not only change places -with the one who has twirled the platter, but -also pay a forfeit.</p> - -<p>Much amusement is derived, not only -from catching the platter, but in watching -the ridiculous movements of those who are -blindfolded.</p> - - -<h3>THE WILD BEAST EXHIBIT.</h3> - -<p>By the side of a pier-glass stand a lamp, -and before both put a screen.</p> - -<p>The one in charge stands in front, and having -stated that he is ready to exhibit his wild -beasts to any one present who will not tell -what he has seen, asks who would like to -come to the exhibition, all desiring to, please -rise. He then takes them in turn, always -exacting the promise of secrecy, and asks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -the name of the animal each would like to -see.</p> - -<p>On learning the name, the showman describes -the animal as funnily as possible, -making all manner of sport, and engaging -every one’s attention to the individual who -is to go to the show. As for example, if -the person be a boy, and says he would like -to see a lion, when the boy laughs, the -showman will say, “And the lion roars -<i>just like you</i>.” After this he is admitted, and -sees himself in the looking-glass.</p> - - -<h3>NEW TAG.</h3> - -<p>The tallest player should begin the game.</p> - -<p>This person turning to the first right hand -player should say “Yes”; to the second, -“No”; and so on all around, saying yes or -no, as the case may be, to yourself last. -Whoever is the last person to whom “No” -is said, however, is out of the game, and the -one who commenced the game, again goes -around the ring. If she has said “Yes” to -herself last, then the one to her right hand -is now told “No,” and thus “Yes,” “No,” -is said all around again and again and so on, -until there are but two players. Whichever -one is Yes, must then be “It.”</p> - -<p>All the players now stand at a given distance -from “It,” and a tree or object being -selected as a place of safety, they are ready -to begin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It” calls to the others, “One foot off,” -then each player raises one of their feet. -“Two feet on,” at which order everybody’s -feet are immediately upon the sidewalk. -“Two feet off,” may then be called, at which -order all rush at their utmost speed, and “It” -after them. Should anybody be caught before -reaching the tree of safety, that person -must change places with “It,” and the game -continues as before.</p> - -<p>The orders, “One foot off,” “Two feet -on,” etc., should be called very rapidly, so -that everybody is mixed up and will not -suspect when two feet off will be called. -Sometimes the orders are repeated over and -over, and again, “Two feet off” may be -said the first time.</p> - - -<h3>THE GREENGROCER.</h3> - -<p>Any boy may start the game, by saying, -“I am a greengrocer and I sell O.” All of -the children must now guess what the -grocer would have for sale that would commence -with the letter O.</p> - -<p>He means he has onions for sale. Whoever -is the first to guess, whether it is a girl -or a boy, now becomes the greengrocer -and uses the same words as before, only -substituting another letter. Perhaps the -greengrocer has cucumbers or carrots for -sale; in that case he would sell C.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<p>This game is capable of a variety of -changes, for example, “I am a milliner, and -I am going to put F on your hat.” All the -girls must now guess what a milliner could -put on a hat that would commence with F, -and some one is not long in deciding that the -milliner means “Flowers.”</p> - -<p>The next milliner may say, “I am a -milliner and I am going to put D flowers on -your hat.”</p> - -<p>And all must think what varieties of -flowers commence with the letter D, and -in a second some one calls out, “Daisies.”</p> - -<p>This being correct, the one who has -guessed becomes milliner.</p> - -<p>In like manner a boy may say, “I am a -New York jeweler, and I sell G,” and all the -players must think what a jeweler could -offer for sale that would commence with -the letter G.</p> - -<p>Soon a voice asks, “Is it Gold?” But -that is not correct, this jeweler is selling -Garnets.</p> - -<p>Or the game may be confined to a country. -Example: “I am a Japanese merchant and -I sell S.”</p> - -<p>The players must think what the merchant -has for sale that comes from Japan, and -that commences with the letter S.</p> - -<p>Thus with care this game may be played -by a small child with as much success as by -an adult.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>RUBIES AND EMERALDS.</h3> - -<p>Two players decide as to which one will -represent rubies and which emeralds, without -telling the others.</p> - -<p>They then join hands to form an arch. -All the rest take hold of each other’s jackets -or frocks, and while going through the arch -they sing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">All of a row,</div> -<div class="verse">Bend the bow,</div> -<div class="verse">Shot at a pigeon</div> -<div class="verse">And killed a crow.</div> -<div class="verse">The cock doth crow</div> -<div class="verse">To let you know,</div> -<div class="verse">If you be well.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The second that the last word is sung, -those who have formed the arch drop their -arms around the neck of the child just passing -under. Then they inquire in a whisper -which he would rather have, Rubies or Emeralds. -When he decides, he must whisper -the answer, and he will then be told to go -back of the player that represents that stone.</p> - -<p>When all have been caught, those back of -the stone that has had the most admirers -now hide, while the others seek for them. -Should the rubies have precedence, the emeralds -are the ones to hunt, or if the emeralds, -the rubies are the ones to hunt. Whichever -stone is in the minority must seek for the -others. Whoever finds the most rubies or -emeralds, as the case may be, is counted the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -richest, as this player possesses the most -treasure.</p> - -<p>The players who have formed the arch -keep watch that all is done fairly.</p> - - -<h3>WHAT THE DANDELIONS SAID</h3> - -<p>Is the old game familiar to all from babyhood—that -of blowing the soft down of the -ripened dandelion to learn, “How old am -I?” Blow once, one year old; blow twice, -two years, and so on, until all the downy -stuff has gone. The number of times the -blows have been given before the down has -altogether disappeared indicates the age.</p> - -<p>Or, “What time is it?”</p> - -<p>This is indicated in the same way. Blow -once, and if all the down is gone, it is one -o’clock, twice, two o’clock, and so on.</p> - - -<h3>DAISY CATCH.</h3> - -<p>All the boys and girls should stand in a -group, with the exception of one girl, and to -her is given a bunch of daisies. She is -known as “Daisy Girl.” A tree is selected -as a place of safety and the other girls count -ten, allowing ten seconds for the count. -During the counting, Daisy Girl runs wherever -she pleases, but the moment ten is -spoken, the boys and girls may race after -her. The idea is to tag her while the flowers -are in her hand. If she is tagged the girl<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -must then throw the daisies as if they were -a ball to the boy or girl tagging her. If -they are caught the game proceeds as before, -by reversing the players, but if the flowers -are not caught, Daisy Girl may try again. -She may also demand another chance, if, -when fearing she would be tagged, she -throws the daisies away, and catches them -again before any of the other players. When -the game is repeated it commences regularly -from the beginning, the players taking the -same position as at the start.</p> - - -<h3>DIBBS.</h3> - -<p>This is the English name for Jack-Stones.</p> - -<p>Where a number of children are playing -together, test who can pick up the greater -number without dropping any, within ten -minutes.</p> - -<p>The oldest child should keep count, and -also watch the time, in order that no mistakes -occur. The counter should have each -of the players’ names written on a slate -or piece of paper, with sufficient room for -his scores. When a Dibb or Jack-Stone -has been dropped, this party must commence -afresh. He, however, may yet win; -for his opponents may drop many more -Dibbs than he. The only score to count is -after the last Dibb has been dropped. A -player might have reached a score of thirty -or more, but having failed to catch his Dibb,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -it drops and he must now count one, two, -and so on without regard to former count.</p> - -<p>When the ten minutes have expired, the -counter should call “Game,” and the players -must stop on the second.</p> - - -<h3>TOUCH.</h3> - -<p>This game is for little children, though it -may be played by children of all ages. It -is at its best as an out-of-door recreation.</p> - -<p>Chalk off a part of a lawn or use a small -grass plot. On this put a number of paper-covered -packages. Then blindfold one of -the children, and, in the sight of all the -others, touch a package. When this is done -the blindfold may be removed, and the -child told he may have all the packages for -his own, until he takes the one touched, then -he must stop. Sometimes the player is unfortunate -enough to pick up the touched -package first, if so, he must surrender this -also, unless the players vote he may try -again. No one may try more than twice.</p> - -<p>On the contrary an occasional child may -pick up every package before the one -touched, when that happens the touched -package is also added as a reward.</p> - -<p>This game interests all, and when the -touched package is picked up, the children -scream with laughter. The contents of the -packages may be a little candy, inexpensive -toys, an apple, pear or other fruits, also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -nuts. Each present is temptingly wrapped, -and as this game is played over and over -no one gift should cost beyond a penny or -two. It makes great fun to undo the packages, -and generous children always divide -with the unfortunate.</p> - - -<h3>SNAPPING-ROPES.</h3> - -<p>This is a Scotch game, usually played by -girls, but there is no reason why boys should -not play also.</p> - -<p>Two skipping-ropes are required. Two -players turn the pair of ropes, holding the -ends of both ropes in one hand precisely -the same as if they were turning a single -rope, and the third player stands between -and jumps. Whoever is jumper cannot be -lazy, as that party has to jump twice as -rapidly as if jumping in a single rope.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>BOYS AND GIRLS.</h2> - - -<h3>SILHOUETTES.</h3> - -<p>Place a lighted candle behind a tall screen -covered with white linen. The hostess -should sit before it and each of the company -must in turn pass between the candle -and the screen. The game is to guess the -person behind the screen by means of their -shadow.</p> - -<p>The guesser should leave the room while -the one to be named is selected, and on returning, -he should not look to find out who -is missing, but honestly guess from the silhouette.</p> - -<p>Sometimes it adds to the fun to use a disguise, -as at a masquerade, for example, put -on a long skirt, fasten up the hair, etc., in -no case cover the face, as it is difficult to -give the right name, with every advantage.</p> - - -<h3>THE SURPRISE.</h3> - -<p>Learn what you can do with five pieces -of paper. The margin of a newspaper may -be utilized if no other paper is convenient. -These pieces should be one inch long by -half an inch wide. The scheme is to shape -them into squares, triangles, etc., the one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -who wins the game is the one who can accomplish -the most with his five pieces.</p> - -<p>He need not use the entire five each time, -but he cannot add to the number of papers, -nor can he mark them with pen, pencil or -any other thing.</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact the whole alphabet -can be formed with them, and so many -other unique designs that this game fully -merits its name.</p> - - -<h3>HAPHAZARD READING.</h3> - -<p>To be played by nine people; should -there be more present, draw for the players. -And, as but one of the party will read, draw -to decide which one.</p> - -<p>The reader then, having a pencil and -paper, writes the parts of speech, as the -players in turn whisper to him:</p> - -<p>No. 1. An Article.</p> - -<p>No. 2. An Adjective.</p> - -<p>No. 3. A Noun.</p> - -<p>No. 4. A Verb.</p> - -<p>No. 5. An Adverb.</p> - -<p>No. 6. A Number.</p> - -<p>No. 7. An Adjective.</p> - -<p>No. 8. A Noun.</p> - -<p>These having been written, the sentences -must then be read aloud:</p> - -<p>Example:</p> - -<p>No. 1 whispers the article The.</p> - -<p>No. 2, the adjective Pink.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> - -<p>No. 3, the noun Hawthorn.</p> - -<p>No. 4, the verb Plays.</p> - -<p>No. 5, the adverb Prettily.</p> - -<p>No. 6, the number Three hundred and -three.</p> - -<p>No. 7, the adjective Fantastic.</p> - -<p>No. 8, the noun Operas.</p> - -<p>The sentence to be read, therefore, is, -The pink hawthorn plays prettily three hundred -and three fantastic operas.</p> - -<p>The easiest way to draw will be to provide -several slips of paper, of exact size and -shape. Some of the papers must be blank, -others numbered, 1, 2, 3, and so on, making -nine in all. Put these papers on a tray and -pass to all in the room. The one drawing -the number 9 must be the reader, the other -numbers decide whether that individual -must whisper an article or an adjective, according -to the example given. Those having -blank papers do not play.</p> - - -<h3>SING, BIRDIE, SING.</h3> - -<p>This game provokes laughter from the -most solemn individual. The company -should be seated in a ring. The one in -command enters the ring and makes much -ceremony in giving each player the name of -a bird; which may be, for example, heron, -kingfisher, bluebird, cat-bird, wood-thrush. -When each have been named, the commander -then whispers something to every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -person. What he whispers is a motion or -sound or both, which he wishes the person to -give. When everybody has received their -cue, the commander steps to the centre of the -ring and calls, “One, two, three.” The moment -“Three” is spoken, each of the company -rise, and running round the circle of empty -chairs, flap their arms in imitation of wings, -sing or call as they have been directed. -The heron should make a motion as though -trying to get little fish out of holes in the -bottom of a pond, or he should stand on one -leg and appear to be asleep. The kingfisher -should brush up his hair, making it -rough on the top, and then act as if diving -for minnows. The bluebird should warble -a sweet song. The cat-bird should appear -full of fun and make melodious notes, but -he should also add the complaining <i>mee-aa;</i> -for the cat-bird is sometimes a wonderful -songster, but after nesting gives a sound -that is decidedly cat-like. The wood-thrush -should sing a most tender melody, and the -more melancholy the better. Hawks, -wood-peckers, chickadees, parrots, screech-owls, -ducks, geese and many other birds -might be added. The greater variety introduced -the better.</p> - - -<h3>SQUIRREL IN THE MIDDLE.</h3> - -<p>This is a game for boys, and the player is -decided by lot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<p>The easiest way to arrange the lot is to -throw as many bits of paper, of similar size -and shape, into a hat as there are players. -All of these papers are blank excepting one, -this has the word “player” written on it. -The hat is then passed, and the boy drawing -the word “player” immediately sits on the -floor, the others stand in a circle around -him. Whoever is behind his back, pulls his -coat, or gently pulls his hair, taking him -unawares. He turns to catch this boy, but -while doing so another boy buffets him. -As the players dance about the circle, they -exclaim, “Squirrel in the middle catch him -if you can.”</p> - -<p>Finally one of the boys is caught, and he -must then change places with the one he -has been tormenting.</p> - - -<h3>TABLESPOONS.</h3> - -<p>Form a circle, one of the number going -into the ring. Present that person with a -tablespoon for each hand, and blindfold -him.</p> - -<p>Then state that the others will skip around -him three times and then stop. As soon as -they stop, they will let go hands and stand -perfectly still. The party in the ring now -moves towards one of the players and must -tell who he is by touching him with the -spoons only. If his guess is correct, the -person caught now exchanges places with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -the one in the ring; if he is incorrect, he -must try again.</p> - -<p>This game is not as difficult as it at first -appears. Carefully notice the peculiarity -of clothing each one has on before you enter -the ring, whether, for instance, the frock -is trimmed, buttoned, etc., or the scarf is a -four-in-hand ornamented with a scarf-pin, -or if the scarf is run through a ring or tied in -a bow. Note also the wearing of the hair -and every detail that may occur to you, and -remember that the spoons may be used -whichever way one pleases. So, if they -touch beads, and there is only one person -who is wearing beads that will at once indicate -the individual; or if the spoon knocks -against a scarf pin and there is only one -boy wearing a scarf pin, he will of necessity -be recognized, and thus each player is -caught.</p> - - -<h3>THE EMPEROR’S COURT.</h3> - -<p>Put a conspicuously handsome chair in -the centre of the room, also an ottoman for -the feet. On either side of this put as many -ordinary chairs as would accommodate the -players.</p> - -<p>One of the company now goes to the -piano, and plays a march, all of the others, -rise, and, with considerable ceremony, escort -the tallest boy in the room to the chair of -honor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<p>This boy now becomes an Emperor, and -the chair at his disposal, his throne, the rest -of the players his court. Immediately the -Emperor is seated, the music stops, and the -pianist together with the court seat themselves -also.</p> - -<p>This game consists in copying the Emperor. -If he pretends to cry, the court must -cry, if he sings, the court must sing. The -Emperor should make himself as ridiculous -as is possible.</p> - -<p>Or he might order one of the court to play -the piano and have a dance, or give a set of -military tactics.</p> - -<p>Should any of the court laugh at a time -the Emperor is not laughing, he or she must -pay a forfeit.</p> - - -<h3>THREE LITTLE PIGS.</h3> - -<p>This game is played after the same manner -as is Silhouettes, only those taking part -should be in costume, representing the words -they illustrate. It makes capital sport, and -nobody can fail to enjoy it, whether taking -part or not. The game is easily understood, -and is best described by an example.</p> - -<p>One of the company should distinctly say,</p> - -<div class="center"> -Three little pigs went to market.</div> - -<p class="unindent">When this is said, three pigs should appear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -as if going to market, passing between a -candle and a white covered screen, they -should grotesquely walk, so adding to the -amusement. When these three have hobbled -off, the reader then recites,</p> - -<div class="center"> -Three little pigs stayed at home,</div> - -<p class="unindent">which is likewise shown by three others of -the company; then in like manner,</p> - -<div class="center"> -Three little pigs have bread and butter,</div> - -<p class="unindent">and so on through the rhyme, illustrating -every scene.</p> - -<p>Paper will be found all the material necessary -to effect a disguise. Cut it in the form -of ears, etc., as is needed, and practise effects -before producing the game to amuse an -audience.</p> - - -<h3>THE FUNNY PRIMA DONNAS.</h3> - -<p>Three girls should wear ridiculous costumes, -making themselves as grotesque as -possible. Each one being a prima donna, -should try to outdo the other in appearance -as also in voice. The hair should be fashioned -after the same arrangement as that of -a celebrated vocalist, the hands and arms -should be covered with evening gloves. -The material of the frock need not be costly, -but it should be smart and showy; the frock -should be made with a train. Each should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -carry a conspicuous fan, or immense bouquets -of large bright flowers, such as full-blown -roses, poppies, yellow chrysanthemums, -etc. The bouquets should be trimmed -elaborately around with white paper lace.</p> - -<p>At an appropriate time the hostess will -announce the arrival of three celebrated -Prima Donnas, and before they appear she -will give each of the company a noticeably -colored paper flower, or bunch of flowers, -such as marigolds, morning glories, scarlet -geraniums. Having given the flowers, she -will say, “When the artists have concluded -their song, let each one do as I do.”</p> - -<p>This said, the artists enter, and having -promenaded to the front room, gesticulating -all the time, they bow and sing a line each, -and each in a different key, to the tune of -“Auld Lang Syne,” the following:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Young Mousy Mouse</div> -<div class="verse">Has made a house</div> -<div class="verse">Out of the farmer’s cheese.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then in chorus,—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">And eats away</div> -<div class="verse">With friends each day,</div> -<div class="verse">As jolly as you please.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then separately the first three lines of the -second verse,—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">But Mousy Mouse</div> -<div class="verse">Don’t see her house</div> -<div class="verse">Soon swallowed up must be.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p>In chorus,—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">And with that house</div> -<div class="verse">Goes that poor mouse</div> -<div class="verse">As sure as sure can be.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The instant the last word is sung, the hostess, -with all her might and main, throws her -flower to reach the artist’s feet, and as the -company has been told to copy her, there -is a perfect rain of flowers. Afterwards they -are gathered, and divided between the -Prima Donnas, who triumphantly carry -them home as souvenirs of their charming -reception.</p> - - -<h3>DO YOU HEAR?</h3> - -<p>This game needs two persons.</p> - -<p>Stand at a distance from your confederate -who will ask, “Molly, do you hear?” and -who will keep up asking the question until -some one speaks. Then Molly says she -hears and leaves the room.</p> - -<p>No sooner out, than her confederate will -explain to the company, “I shall hand some -one in this room a button, and I shall then -ask Molly to tell me who has it.” Having -thus explained, he hands the button to the -individual who spoke just before Molly left -the room. Then the confederate calls, -“Molly, who has the button?”</p> - -<p>At once Molly replies correctly. The key<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -is very simple, being only to remember the -person who spoke as she left the room.</p> - -<p>The game when played with a boy, should -have the word Johnny substituted for Molly.</p> - - -<h3>LAUGHABLE DINNER.</h3> - -<p>Each girl in succession leads a boy to a -position to dance a reel.</p> - -<p>First girl then says to first boy, “This is -my flower to decorate the table,” and she -gives him a flower which he puts in his -buttonhole.</p> - -<p>Second girl to second boy, “This is my -flower to decorate the table,” and she gives -him a different flower, which he puts in his -buttonhole.</p> - -<p>Third girl to third boy, “You tread clams -for dinner,” and the boy must make the -motion of treading clams.</p> - -<p>Fourth girl to fourth boy, “You catch -trout for dinner,” and the boy makes believe -he is a fly-fisherman.</p> - -<p>Fifth girl to fifth boy, “You get lamb to -roast,” and the boy calls, “Bah! bah!”</p> - -<p>Sixth girl to sixth boy, “You get the turkey -to roast,” and the boy gives the call of -a turkey-gobbler.</p> - -<p>Seventh girl to seventh boy, “You shoot -the duck for roasting,” and the boy calls, -“Quack! Quack!”</p> - -<p>Eighth girl to eighth boy, “You are my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -pigeon to bake in a pie,” and the boy flaps -his arms in imitation of wings.</p> - -<p>Ninth girl to ninth boy, “You are a baker -and must bake our cake,” and this boy pretends -to beat eggs.</p> - -<p>Tenth girl to tenth boy, “You are the -young man who grinds good coffee,” and -he makes believe he is turning the crank of -a coffee-mill. As soon as the tenth boy responds, -a couple of good whistlers whistle -Yankee Doodle, all the others dance a reel, -repeating their calls and motions while -dancing.</p> - - -<h3>JOLLY PLAY.</h3> - -<p>Arrange chairs in couples back to back, -placing them in different parts of the room, -and have one too few for your company.</p> - -<p>All the players stand, one behind the -other, the one in charge at the head of the -line. He leads the party whichever way he -pleases. As they march, the leader sings to -the tune of, “There were Three Crows sat -on a Tree,”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">I must be gay</div> -<div class="verse">This merry day,</div> -<div class="verse">But game obey</div> -<div class="verse">I will, I will.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>He may march about and sing this verse -as often as he wishes, but while singing, “I -will, I will,” he must some time fling himself -into a chair. As soon as the leader is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -seated, the others make a bold rush to follow -his example. The player for whom there is -no seat, now becomes leader, and the rest -of the company follow as before.</p> - - -<h3>THE DWARF.</h3> - -<p>A boy should put his hands into small -stockings and shoes. Then put on a wig of -different color from his own hair. He must -fasten on a moustache, and put some black -sticking plaster over one or two of his front -teeth. His coat should be of a different -shape and his necktie should be of a different -style from that which he usually -wears. Indeed, he must be thoroughly -disguised. Back of him, another boy must -stand, and pass his arm around the first -boy’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>Curtains must be drawn so that no part -of the second boy is seen but his arms.</p> - -<p>Put a small table before them, and from -the back of this table drop a cloth, so as to -conceal the first boy below his waist. The -front boy puts his hands dressed in shoes -on the table, the boy back of him supplies -his arms and hands, and if properly arranged -a dwarf from three to four feet tall is thus -produced.</p> - -<p>Of course, a tiny costume must be made. -Little Turkish trousers, a blouse-like coat, a -fez, a belt and small sword.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> - -<p>It is well to have an exhibitor who should -tell some wonderful tale about the dwarf. -And the exhibitor should indicate that the -dwarf jokes, sings and dances, an exhibition -of which should then follow.</p> - -<p>The dwarf should be fully prepared as to -what he will say and do. Several spicy -jokes should be at his tongue’s end. He -should gesticulate violently with his hands -and arms, and likewise sing the jolliest of -songs and dance the drollest dances.</p> - -<p>It requires practice.</p> - - -<h3>CROWN GAME.</h3> - -<p>A girl enters the ring; all the others take -firm hold of the rope. No sooner is she in -than they skip about her, keeping the rope -in motion. As they skip they sing, to the -tune of “Auld Lang-syne,”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Who’ll crown our queen, our merry queen,</div> -<div class="verse">Who’ll crown our queen to-day?</div> -<div class="verse">Who’ll crown our queen, our merry queen,</div> -<div class="verse">Who’ll crown our queen to-day?</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>When this is sung, the children stop skipping -just where they are. And at once one -of the boys puts his head under the rope, -and, standing by the queen, replies, “I -will.” Then raising a crown of wild flowers, -he puts it on her head. No sooner is -she crowned than she blindfolds the boy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -and another girl enters, thus making two -girls in the ring. The game is to “tag” the -right girl before the other players count nine. -When the boy “tags” the girl, he must at -once say whether or not she is the queen, -and if he makes a mistake he must remain -in the ring and try again. The first girl -withdraws, the second girl is crowned queen, -and the game is repeated. But should he -make no mistake, the boy remains in the -ring, is crowned king, and the game goes -on, only that two boys are in the ring when -a girl is blindfolded.</p> - - -<h3>GUESS.</h3> - -<p class="center"><i>A Rope Game.</i></p> - -<p>Put a rope on the ground in the form of a -circle; in the centre put a stone about the -size of a duck’s egg. The players stand -backwards around the rope, with their heels -touching it. Each one in turn throws a -grace-hoop over his right shoulder, with the -hope it will encircle the stone. As soon as -the hoop is thrown all may turn and see the -position. If the hoop encircles the stone -the player may try again and again, until -he fails, counting one for each time. Then -the party to his right tries, and so on all -around the rope. Whoever has the largest -count wins the game.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<p>This game is also played facing the stone; -it is then no longer a game of guess, but a -game of skill.</p> - - -<h3>THE CIRCLE.</h3> - -<p>On the floor or ground mark a circle, the -diameter of which is two feet.</p> - -<p>The easiest way would be to use a hoople -of the correct size, and chalk it all around -close to the wood. Be careful not to move -the hoople while marking. Therefore, one -person would better hold the hoople, while -another uses the chalk.</p> - -<p>Eight players are required, two and two -standing together, taking the same positions -as if they were to dance a quadrille. The -circle must be in the centre of the space -around which they stand, and the players -should be six feet from the outer edge.</p> - -<p>In the circle place four small articles, three -without much value, and the other of some -little value. As an example, put in three -empty bottles, and one filled with inexpensive -perfume, or if you use flowers, put three -dandelions, and one half-blown rose. All -articles must be laid side by side, and as -nearly as possible, in the exact centre of the -circle.</p> - -<p>When all is ready, the host, being at the -piano, should play “Pop Goes the Weasel,” -and if the game is played out of doors, -the same tune should be hummed or whistled.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -When the music starts, the head -couples join hands and skip to the circle and -then back, this must be again and again -repeated, until the pianist suddenly stops. -Those who have been skipping must then -bow to each other wherever they happen to -be, also unclasp their hands, and neither -run nor walk, but skip as rapidly as possible -to the circle; sometimes they are fortunate -enough to be by it when the music stops; -then at once pick up one of the articles, and -skip back to the position held at the time -the game started.</p> - -<p>These movements must be finished before -the musician again commences to play. -Then, holding the article in one hand and -your partner’s hand in the other, you skip -twice around the circle, and return to position. -The head couple leading, all the -others following after the same order, as the -march in a quadrille.</p> - -<p>The articles are then put where they were -at the game’s start, and the side couples -repeat what the head couples have already -done.</p> - -<p>The musician should allow enough time -to make it possible for all the players to pick -up an article, but he must not allow too -much time, or a prominent feature in the -game is missed.</p> - -<p>Every one is desirous to pick up the valuable -article, but if you are not careful the -music will start before you have gotten anything:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -in that case you must be blindfolded -and skip all alone four times around the circle. -While you are skipping, the spectators -are clapping. Whoever is fortunate enough -to have picked up the valuable article, may -retain it as a favor. This must therefore -have a duplicate, as the side couples have -equal chances with the heads.</p> - - -<h3>TWO SKIPPING-ROPE GAMES.</h3> - -<p>Take a skipping-rope whenever you go -for a country frolic. One treat will be given -through clover blossoms. Each player -should gather enough of these sweet-scented -flowers to make three fair-sized bouquets, -when these are made, put them in a convenient -and cool place.</p> - -<p>Take turns turning the rope; as soon as one -girl is through skipping, she should exchange -with one that has been turning. In that -way nobody is tired.</p> - -<p>Enter the rope according to height, the -shortest player should go first. As soon as -the rope is in even motion, all the players -excepting the one to skip, should say, “One, -two, three,” the moment “Three” is said, -whoever is to skip must enter or lose her -turn. Should she trip before skipping eight -times she must give her successor a bouquet, -on the contrary, should she skip five times -without a break, her successor must present<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -her with a bouquet. No one may be allowed -to skip more than fifteen times, as -too much rope skipping is injurious.</p> - -<p>These rules must receive strict adherence. -When all have had opportunity to skip three -times, the game is finished. The winner -is the one who has received the most bouquets.</p> - -<p>Another game requires ten players, two -turning and eight skipping. In this game -those who turn cannot be relieved, but must -turn until the game is concluded.</p> - -<p>This time the tallest player is the first to -enter, the others stand according to height, -one directly back of the other. As soon as -the rope is in steady motion, the first player -starts, skips once, runs out and around to a -rock or tree previously decided on, where -she is safe, the second immediately enters -the rope, after the first one runs out, the -point being for the second one to tag the -first before she can reach her destination. -The third player, however, enters the rope as -the second has run out, and is trying just as -hard to tag the second, as the second is to -tag the first, and so on, each rapidly following -the one before, and thus this game keeps -steadily on until all have been through the -rope three times.</p> - -<p>Whoever has been tagged is out of the -game, and can no longer play; this decides -who are the winners.</p> - -<p>It now becomes the duty of all who have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -played, to gather quantities of clover or other -field blossoms, enough to trim the rope from -one end to the other. In this form the pretty -flowers are taken home, and used for dining-room -decoration. Festoon the mantel, -or wind it around the chandelier, allowing -the ends to drop low towards the table.</p> - -<p>As only one person can have this rope of -flowers, decide which one, by counting out.</p> - - -<h3>RUNNING FOR THE CAP.</h3> - -<p>The boys must be equally divided; one -set is called catchers, the other runners, and -these sets must stand fifty yards apart. The -catcher’s position is thirty yards from the -post, and the runners’ twenty. The call, -one, two, three, is given, and on the second -three is spoken one boy from each party -runs to the post. The runner will naturally -get there first, and he has to put the cap on -his head, and then replace it. He must do -this with the utmost rapidity, as, should the -catcher overtake him on his way back to the -position which he held before starting to run, -the boy becomes the catcher’s prisoner, and -can no longer play.</p> - - -<h3>FIRE-ARCH DISCOUNT GAME.</h3> - -<p>A strip of wood two inches thick, five -inches wide, and one yard long will be required.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -In this cut five arches, making the -centre one four inches in width, the others -three inches each; stand it up on the floor -or on a table, and make the starting-point -six feet away. Four marbles may be rolled -by each player. When a marble goes -through the centre arch it counts sixty, but -if, instead, it goes through either of the small -arches, thirty is counted off. If a marble -fails to pass through either, it is counted out -of the game, and must be removed. The -next turn around, the player will use only -three instead of four marbles. The boy who -has the highest tally has won; should there -be a tie, they must roll again.</p> - -<p>This game requires practice, or some -players will find that they have lost more -than they have made.</p> - - -<h3>THE BAGATELLE BOARD COUNT GAME.</h3> - -<p>Chalk a floor or mark a space in exact -copy of a bagatelle-board ten feet long by -three wide. In the inclosure, at correct distances, -mark the numbers; this may be done -with chalk, or the numbers may be painted -on thin wooden blocks and laid in position. -Each player must start his marble at the -extreme left-hand corner, and state before -starting the number he wishes to roll to. -Should the marble go to that number, and -not roll on so as to touch another, the player<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -counts the number selected, and can then -state another number and play for that, and -can so continue for seven minutes, provided -his marble always hits the number selected, -and though rolling on, does not touch or -stop at any other. When his time is up his -count is scored, and the next player follows, -subject to the same rules. Should the -marble stop on the number selected, it is -counted double in favor of the player. -Again, should the marble, having reached -the selected number, still roll on and touch -another, no count is allowed, and the player -must stop until his turn comes again.</p> - - -<h3>FUNNY QUESTIONS WITH FUNNY ANSWERS.</h3> - -<p>All the players stand in a circle and join -hands.</p> - -<p>The tallest one in the room whispers a -question to her right-hand neighbor, who -answers her in a whisper, and then turns -and asks <i>her</i> right-hand neighbor a question, -who replies in like manner. When questions -and answers have all gone around, the -party who commenced states aloud the -question her <i>left</i>-hand neighbor asked, and -the reply her <i>right</i>-hand neighbor gave.</p> - -<p>Example: Suppose three players.</p> - -<p>First questions.</p> - -<p>Second answers, then turns and ask third.</p> - -<p>Third answers, and asks the first, who answers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then, questions and answers having gone -all around, first says aloud, “My left-hand -neighbor asked, and my right-hand neighbor -answered.”</p> - -<p>First Player: What is the brightest idea -this season?</p> - -<p>Second Player: Your eye, dear (idea).</p> - -<p>How many blackbirds were baked in the -pie?</p> - -<p>Third Player: Four-and-twenty. What -was the name of Goliath of Gath’s grandmother’s -straw bonnet maker?</p> - -<p>First Player: Nobody knows.</p> - -<p>When all have played.</p> - -<p>First Player, aloud: The question asked -me was, “What was the name of Goliath of -Gath’s grandmother’s straw bonnet maker?” -the answer was, “Your eye, dear (idea).”</p> - -<p>Second Player: The question asked me -was, “What is the brightest idea this -season?” The answer was, “Four-and-twenty!”</p> - -<p>Third Player: The question asked was, -“How many blackbirds were baked in -the pie?” The answer was, “Nobody -knows.”</p> - -<p>The one whose question has been most -appropriately answered aloud, must be entertained -by the others, as he desires—by -dancing, playing a favorite game, by music, -recitations or any other suggested amusement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>JUDGE AND JURY.</h3> - -<p>Draw lots for a Judge and five Jurymen. -Pass six numbered paper slips in a fancy -bag. Whoever draws number one is Judge, -and the others the Jury. All the other -players take the name of a celebrated musician -or composer, as Beethoven, De Pachmann, -or Schubert, etc.</p> - -<p>The Judge now takes a seat at one end of -the room. The Jurymen sit at one side in -a row, and the rest of the people sit at a -distance. The Judge calls one of the other -players up to the bar and proceeds to question -him or her. The <i>prisoner</i> is bound to -answer any question the Judge may see fit -to ask, and the business of the Jury is to -decide the name of the musician the prisoner -has assumed.</p> - -<p>Ten questions are all that may be asked. -At the end of those the prisoner seats himself -and awaits the Jury’s verdict. If the -first decision of the Jury is incorrect, the -prisoner is released. But if correct, the -prisoner takes the place of one of the Jurymen, -who must draw to determine which -one is relieved. The ex-Juryman then takes -his place among the waiting prisoners and -assumes a character.</p> - -<p>After three trials the Judge must be a -Juryman, and one of them must take his -place. This, too, is decided by lot.</p> - -<p>By so doing all are on duty all the time,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -and the end of the game is when the players -are tired.</p> - - -<h3>THE CARD INTRODUCTION.</h3> - -<p>When young people are not very well acquainted, -play this game, and by the time -that it is finished every one will think he -must have known everybody else for the -last seven years.</p> - -<p>Place chairs so as to form a ring, and ask -your friends to be seated. Then have a pack -of say, authors’ cards in your hand, state -that every one must say what you say, and -give what you give to his left-hand neighbor. -Then lifting up the top card in the -pack, you say to your guest at your left, -“Here’s my card, Longfellow.” The one -who receives it instantly turns to the party -at his left and, giving the card, repeats -the same words, “Here’s my card, Longfellow.” -The next card follows at once in -the same manner, repeating whatever its -portrait, may be, and so card follows -card without a second’s delay, and the -laughter and fun that is made causes even -the dullest person in the room to wake up -and be hale fellow for the next entertainment. -Should any card drop, let it go. -There will not be enough time to pick it up -until the game is ended.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>HARMONY SOLOISTS.</h3> - -<p>One of the young men must represent the -Lord of Misrule, and in fantastic attire he -goes from one to the other of the guests and -asks each to draw one slip of paper from the -basket which he carries.</p> - -<p>On each slip are written four lines of any -popular or well-known song. Each slip -contains a different song.</p> - -<p>As soon as the papers are drawn five of -the people stand up in a line, and with the -Lord of Misrule as director they each sing -separately their particular four lines to the -correct tune. When each of the five have -sung, all sing together as chorus, each carefully -keeping his own words and music.</p> - -<p>Then another five, and then another, until -all have sung. Then for a grand finale, all -the guests stand as chorus and in duets, -trios, quartettes sing the one stanza through, -all joining in the refrain each time.</p> - -<p>The harmony will be remarkable.</p> - - -<h3>JIG-I-TY JIG.</h3> - -<p>Chairs are placed to form a circle, and all -the players excepting two occupy the chairs.</p> - -<p>One of the two players must play a polka -or waltz. The other one stands outside of -the circle.</p> - -<p>The one standing outside dances as soon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -as the music starts, and continues dancing -as long as she pleases, but all of a sudden -she stops a second before a chair, and then -dances up to the chair. Whoever occupies -it instantly rises and dances back to her, -and after a while the first dancer waves a -backward movement of the hand toward -her friend, thus indicating she is not wanted -to continue dancing. But she must walk or -waltz back to her chair and then sit down.</p> - -<p>The first dancer continues dancing, however, -and goes to another party in precisely -the same way as she did to the first, and -when she concludes she has the right one, -she dances to that party’s seat and takes it.</p> - -<p>The individual then on the floor continues -dancing, as did the first one. When she sits -down a third party dances, and so on until -all have danced.</p> - -<p>If any of the company do not dance, they -should make a feint of doing so. If the -individual is full of fun, much amusement -is created.</p> - - -<h3>CIRCLE GAME.</h3> - -<p>Make a target of brown wrapping-paper, -and put the number 100 on the bull’s eye. -Outside of this mark five rings, making the -largest one two feet in diameter, the others -proportionately smaller. Inside of these -rings put the numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, the -centre as stated being 100. Mark out a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -space on the ground for a base five feet -away; place the target on the ground, -blindfold a player, lead him to the base, -and turn him around twice, and leave him -facing the target. He is now entitled to roll -three marbles, and then remove the blindfold. -His count will be the added numbers -in the rings at which his marbles have -stopped. Should any of them stop on a -line, he is entitled to the largest number -adjoining. No marbles must be moved, -and each boy has the privilege of trying the -ground once with each marble, before being -blindfolded.</p> - - -<h3>THE HUNT FOR THE KEYHOLE.</h3> - -<p>A tall boy should put on the skirt of a -lady’s dress. This skirt should just escape -the floor. In his hands he should carry -a broom, with the broom end held directly -above him, and the broom handle held -close in front of him.</p> - -<p>A ball to simulate a person’s head should -be secured by strong twine to the broom. -This ball should have a false face securely -fastened to the front of it, while, as a cover -for the rest of the ball there should be a -lady’s bonnet. This bonnet cannot be too -grotesquely trimmed. Long plumes, brilliant -flowers, natural or artificial, sunflowers, -hollyhocks, cucumber blossoms,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -etc., would be correct decoration. The bonnet -should be tied underneath the false face, -being careful to have the bow ends voluminous -and the streamers long. The ribbon -should be vivid scarlet, or bright orange -color.</p> - -<p>Just below the bonnet and around the -broom fasten a cloak, the bottom of which -should reach beyond the boys waist; in this -way the boy and the broom are entirely concealed.</p> - -<p>The company should be asked to take -seats at the rear end of the room, then announce -that they are to be entertained by -the pantomime entitled “The Hunt for the -Keyhole.”</p> - -<p>Then the door should be opened, and at -once a tall, odd-looking individual enters. -His appearance creates roars of laughter, as -also his ridiculous actions when having -bowed to the audience he turns to the door -through which he has come and commences -his search. The effect is ridiculous, as the -head is bobbed around in every direction -whichever way the boy chooses to turn, as -also whichever way he chooses to move the -broom. When enough amusement has been -gotten, the boy again bows and comically -waltzes out of the room.</p> - -<p>The boy will need an assistant to dress, -and this game should be privately practised -before showing it to an audience.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>ACTING PROVERBS</h3> - -<p>This is played by one of the party leaving -the room, and on his return acting in such a -manner as to indicate to the others a well-known -proverb. Example, “A rolling stone -gathers no moss,” may be indicated by the -one having left the room returning with a -round stone in his hand and rolling it on the -floor.</p> - - -<h3>GOSSIP.</h3> - -<p>This title suggests an amusing <i>tableau -vivant</i> for an evening at home.</p> - -<p>Two girls should withdraw and put over -their pretty dresses queer-looking old shawls, -and cover their curls with odd-looking bonnets -tied under the chin.</p> - -<p>They should sit very close together, and -with cups of tea in their hands gaze intently -at each other, busily stirring the while. -They must nod their heads as though one -were telling a bit of scandal.</p> - -<p>Suddenly one exclaims in a high-pitched -voice, “You don’t say so!” whereupon the -hostess should inquire, “Who can tell what -these girls represent?”</p> - -<p>A number of the company will naturally -reply, “Gossip.”</p> - - -<h3>THE FLORIST.</h3> - -<p>Whoever assumes this character should -explain that he has flowers for sale, and that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -he will try and sell all that he has by putting -questions to the persons whom he -thinks will buy, and that whoever in answering -his questions uses the words <i>flowers</i>, <i>yes</i>, -or <i>no</i> would have to pay a forfeit, and that -he will try all that he can to get them to use -one of the prohibited words.</p> - -<p>Then the Florist should turn to one of the -players and ask, “Can I sell you any fresh -flowers to-day?”</p> - -<p>“I am fully supplied, thank you.” And -addressing another, “Do buy my sweet -violets.”</p> - -<p>“Not to-day, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How about carnations?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t wish flowers of any kind.”</p> - -<p>And in that way a forfeit is incurred.</p> - -<p>The questions should be rapidly asked, -and as rapidly answered, or the players will -not get caught.</p> - - -<h3>MY LADY’S RECEPTION APPAREL.</h3> - -<p>One of the players should act the part of -lady’s maid. Each of the players should -take the name of something which a lady -would wear to a reception, as an article of -clothing or jewelry. Or a player may take -the name of an article a lady would use in -getting ready for a reception, as a comb and -brush.</p> - -<p>The lady’s maid should stand at one end -of the room, and looking towards the players<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -announce, “My lady is going to a reception -to-night, and wishes a handkerchief,” -or whatever article she may choose -to select. The one named instantly rises, -and steps two feet forward, makes a low -bow, then suddenly starting up twists -about, and turning to her right-hand neighbor -says, “Change chairs.”</p> - -<p>No sooner said than done. Everybody -on the instant rushes for a chair, including -the lady’s maid, and the one that is left -without a chair becomes the next lady’s -maid.</p> - -<p>This person may continue the game, as -did the previous maid, or she may say, -“My lady is going to a reception to-night -and wants her salts.”</p> - -<p>The moment salts are desired some of the -players must sneeze as if the salts were too -strong, others should appear to faint, and -others wave their hands forward and back -as if fanning.</p> - -<p>Any second that the lady’s maid may -choose she may exclaim, “Change chairs!” -and again there is another scramble, with -one person left without, and there is therefore -a new lady’s maid.</p> - -<p>This maid may try yet another way, which -will result in getting almost all of the players -on their feet before they can change -chairs. She asks the players to re-name -themselves, and for nearly all of them to -select articles of apparel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then the maid says, for instance, “My -lady desires her white ivory fan.”</p> - -<p>The person so named should rise, go two -feet forward and, having bowed very low, -should stand just where she is until the -signal for change chairs is given.</p> - -<p>The maid might then say, “My lady -desires her white satin gown.” The person -named white satin gown rises, and repeats -the action of the one going before. And thus -the maid continues to call, until having all -the requisite articles of apparel. But when -she exclaims, “My lady wishes her white -kid shoes!” all rush for a seat.</p> - -<p>Whoever is left without a chair after this -method of playing must rapidly tell the bootblack -story.</p> - -<p>“As I was going down the street I saw -two bootblacks. One was a black bootblack -and the other a white bootblack, and both -had black boots, as well as blacking and -blacking brushes. The black bootblack -asked the white bootblack to black his, the -black bootblack’s black boot with blacking. -The white bootblack consented to black -the black boots of the black bootblack with -blacking, but when he, the white bootblack -had blacked one black boot of the black bootblack -with blacking, he the white bootblack -refused to black his, the black bootblack’s, -other black boot with blacking unless he, -the black bootblack, paid him, the white -bootblack, the same as what he, the white<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -bootblack, got for blacking other people’s -black boots; whereupon, the black bootblack -grew still blacker in the face, and called the -white bootblack a blackguard, at the same -time hitting the white bootblack with the -black boot that he, the white bootblack, had -already blacked with blacking.”</p> - -<p>Should any one not leave his chair he must -pay a forfeit.</p> - -<p>Should the maid ask for an article that has -not been taken for a name, she must pay a -forfeit.</p> - - -<h3>THIMBLE GAME.</h3> - -<p>In order to be enjoyable this game requires -several players, and it is better that -they should be both boys and girls, as it then -has the added element of a match between -the boys and girls.</p> - -<p>Put a silver or gold thimble in full view, -in any convenient room, into which your -friends have not yet entered. It makes the -game more difficult if this room is well filled -with <i>bric-à-brac</i>, hangings, pictures, plants, -etc., for the reason that the eye is confused -with so much ornament and therefore cannot -so easily detect such a small thing as a -thimble.</p> - -<p>State clearly the following directions before -your friends enter. No one can touch -anything. Each player must stand until he -sees the thimble. Every one may walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -about as much as he pleases, but talking is -prohibited. Having seen the thimble, immediately -sit down. It is a point of honor -that no player will give information. When -all are seated the game is finished.</p> - -<p>Of course the girls want to get ahead of -the boys, and the boys ahead of the girls, -in locating the thimble. Therefore if a -boy sits down first, the girls are sorry; -and if a boy sits down last, the boys are -sorry.</p> - -<p>The one who first sits down is the one to -receive honor, and he has the privilege of -selecting the next game as well as deciding -on the forfeit to be given by the boy or girl -who has been the last to sit down. Sometimes -the hostess gives the thimble to the -one winning the game.</p> - -<p>Players must be very cautious, or their -eyes will tell what their tongues would not; -therefore, having seen the thimble, at once -glance in another direction, and you will -thus mystify where you would otherwise -assist.</p> - - -<h3>THE TOUCH GAME.</h3> - -<p>This requires an assistant to whom the -secret of the game is intrusted. The assistant -leaves the room, the other party remains -with the company, and states that during the -assistant’s absence she will put her hand on -some object, person, or thing, and when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -assistant returns he will tell what has been -touched.</p> - -<p>The assistant now being out, the piano -stool is touched. On the assistant’s return -he is asked, “What did I touch?” at once -he replies, “The piano stool.”</p> - -<p>Of course this causes great surprise and -the assistant is asked to go out again, the -company expecting, perhaps, to be able to -guess this time. For a change a girl is -touched, and on the assistant’s return he -is asked, “Whom did I touch?” and he -promptly says, “Bessie Brown,” or whatever -the girl’s name.</p> - -<p>Then the players think there must be some -look or gesture given to aid the assistant -when he re-enters, and so they are given the -privilege of blindfolding him before his return, -but all in vain, the assistant is as correct -as before and no one is able to guess.</p> - -<p>Then the company beg: “Do tell us the -secret.” So when all give up they are told -that just before the assistant leaves the room, -the other player secretly touches some person -or thing, or perhaps indicates what the -object is with his foot or perhaps sits on it, -if it be a chair or stool. Occasionally, to -further mystify, it would be well to simply -fold one’s arms. This would signify to the -confederate, “I am touching myself.” -Therefore the assistant, whether blindfolded -or not, can answer correctly, because he -has received his clue before he went out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>Of course, this game requires an intelligent -assistant; indeed, both players must -be very careful, as so many eyes are on the -constant lookout.</p> - -<p>This will be found a satisfactory game -for a rainy afternoon in a summer hotel, -when the grown people are taking naps and -there seems absolutely nothing left for -young people to do, and they are tired -watching the weather, and saying, “If it -would <i>only</i> clear!”</p> - - -<h3>THE CONCERT.</h3> - -<p>Select a conductor. All others sit before -him in a semicircle, and each is given an -imaginary musical instrument.</p> - -<p>The conductor next directs them to tune -their instruments, after which, taking a cane -he waves it, as if it were a baton. He also -whistles or hums a gay, familiar air. In this -all join, imitating by voice and gesture the -instruments they are supposed to be playing -on, such as the flute, the harp, the hand-organ, -the cymbals, violin, cornet, etc.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he waves his baton and the -music ceases.</p> - -<p>The conductor then calls for solos. All -the musicians give close attention, and the -conductor makes believe he is playing, thus -indicating which instrument he wishes to -hear.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>The player having that instrument must -at once obey, imitating both sound and -gestures. Should he fail, he must pay a -forfeit.</p> - - -<h3>A CURIOUS CAT.</h3> - -<p>This is a trick to be played only where -the people know each other very well.</p> - -<p>A tall screen is required, a cat, a saucer -of milk, a table and a showman.</p> - -<p>The showman is the most important, for -on his ready wit and tactful manner the -success of the trick depends.</p> - -<p>He stands by the screen and says to the -audience,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Come behind this screen and you will see</div> -<div class="verse">A cat with her head where her tail ought to be.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>One by one, the guests may go, and each -must observe a discreet silence, so that the -rest may not guess what the trick is.</p> - -<p>As each goes behind the screen, a table is -seen on which is a cat with her tail towards -a saucer of milk, where, were it not for the -showman’s efforts, her head would naturally -be. This foolish trick will always cause a -hearty laugh.</p> - - -<h3>A BOAT RACE.</h3> - -<p>Girls who do not care to row should act -as umpires. A grand stand may be a massive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -rock ornamented with a tangle of vines -and for a canopy a wide-branched tree.</p> - -<p>There should be three races, one between -the girls, another between the boys, and a -third between the girls and boys together. -Two large willows or other trees, conspicuously -overhanging the water, and therefore -impossible to mistake, should be selected -as the points to start and end the race, the -prow of the boat should be even with the -centre of the tree trunk at starting, and the -stern of the boat should be even with the -centre of the tree trunk on closing. Only -one person should be in the boat at a time, -and no person can have a second chance.</p> - -<p>As the water is frequently too narrow for -all boats to be out at once, it is wiser to try -two boats at a time, and then two more -should row and so on. After the race is -over the victors must row again, two and -two, as at the first, and so determine the -winners. When the winning girl and the -winning boy are known, they should -race together, and thus the champion rower -will be discovered. Whoever is champion -should be rewarded with a wreath of laurel, -after the fashion of the great Roman victors; -if laurel cannot be found, use oak leaves -and tell the hero they are meant for laurel. -The wreath must be made and at the grand -stand before the race opens. The coronation -should take place at the stand.</p> - -<p>While gathering the leaves for the crown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -it would prove a pleasure to gather quantities -of wild flowers, with which to decorate the -boats. A simple and pretty trimming would -be to carpet the boat with moss and edge -it around with fern leaves. Another way -would be to canopy a boat with apple -blossoms; the branches are easily held in -place between the narrow strip of wood -that forms the border, and the boat itself. -But a canopy retards motion, and the rowers -must consider speed before they decide on -decoration.</p> - - -<h3>THREE LITTLE MAIDS FROM SCHOOL.</h3> - -<p>Three tall boys should dress as prima -donnas, carry bouquets, and sing the popular -song, “Three Little Maids from School -are we.”</p> - -<p>After this they should appear as giants -and perform a variety of tricks.</p> - -<p>For example: Hold an umbrella over -their heads, which is covered with a long -cloak. To the top of the umbrella-stick -fasten a ball the size of a person’s head, -on to this ball put a round hat, and a veil so -as to conceal the face. Thus the boys will -be of gigantic size, and their very appearance -will provoke laughter.</p> - -<p>After bowing to their friends, they should -dance a few reel figures, then walk about -the room and examine the chandeliers, tops<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -of the pictures or frescoing. Then play -“Puss in the corner.” When they repeat -“Puss, Puss, Puss,” they should use unnatural -tones.</p> - -<p>It is very funny, and those who are not -“little maids” will have almost as much -sport as if they were.</p> - - -<h3>THE WAR OF THE ROSES.</h3> - -<p>This is a pretty, interesting and instructive -game, as those engaged in it and not -familiar with the period of history to which -it refers may be led to study it, and the -knowledge received through playing may -thus prove beneficial.</p> - -<p>It is particularly suited to out-of-door -amusement, though it may be played indoors -by making a field of battle. This -could be done by putting a rug in the centre -of a room, and stating, that rug represents -the battlefield of Saint Albans, or the battle-field -of Towton, or you may have both -battles, should you so prefer.</p> - -<p>When played out of doors, mark out a -piece of lawn in the same way that a tennis -court is marked. Or, should there be no -lawn, mark an oblong on the ground by -means of a sharp-pointed stick.</p> - -<p>The battle-field should be five feet one -way, and three the other.</p> - -<p>Choose two of the largest boys for leaders;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -one of them will personate Richard the -Duke of York, the other the nearest relative -of the house of Lancaster, who was the -Duke of Somerset.</p> - -<p>Then in turn, commencing with the Duke -of York, the boys will call their soldiers, -which may be (as this is a game) girls as -well as boys. As each one’s name is called, -he stands in line on the side of his leader. -When all are chosen, the Duke of York -gives his soldiers, as also himself, the -symbol of the Yorkists, which was a white -rose, and in like manner the Lancastrians -receive their symbol, which was a red -one.</p> - -<p>Commencing at the foot of the line, the -Duke of York will blindfold his soldier, and -lead him around for one minute, thus confusing -him as to location; but when he stops -leading him, he must be six feet from the -battlefield, and his face so turned as to -make it possible to reach it. Then the -leader calls one, two, three, and at once the -soldier throws his rose. The blindfold is -then removed, and he will see how near the -field his charge has reached.</p> - -<p>It is now the turn of the house of Lancaster, -and the Duke of Somerset will blindfold -the soldier at the end of his line, and -thus the game proceeds as before. When -every one has played, the roses on the battlefield -are counted. Whichever side has on -the most roses has won. Then all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -roses are picked up and presented to the -victors by the losing side. Each one of the -winners then adorns himself with a red and -white rose.</p> - -<p>No rose can be counted on the battlefield, -unless every part of it is on, including the -stem and foliage.</p> - -<p>There must be an even number of players.</p> - - -<h3>UNBAR.</h3> - -<p>Every player excepting the boy known -as Bear, must twist and knot his handkerchief. -The Bear selects a tree as a starting -point, and states his object will be to tag -the others. Whoever is tagged becomes a -Bear, and must return to the tree, pursued -and beaten all the way back with the knotted -handkerchiefs. The two Bears then -join hands, and, starting out, try to tag every -one that is possible, and this action is repeated -until all the players are Bears. -Whenever the chain of Bears is broken, as -it sometimes is by an attack from the rear, -the Bears again return to the tree.</p> - - -<h3>BIRD TEST.</h3> - -<p>Give each player a slip of paper on which -he must write the birds’ names. Also the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -number of times the word bird and birds’ -names occur.</p> - -<p>The correct number to find is seventy-six.</p> - -<p>Time allowed is six minutes.</p> - -<p>The slip should be headed Bird Test.</p> - -<p>One day while walking along a grassy -lane conspicuously edged with blackberry -bushes, my attention was riveted by the -song of a bird, a sort of up and down warble, -and in the branches of a maple tree -near, I saw a red-eyed viero, and not far off, -quietly looking towards the singer, was -such a pretty warbler, another greenlet, the -white-eyed viero.</p> - -<p>Listening to the red-eye, the viero’s warble -grew less and less distinct as the distance -lengthened between us. The warbler -warbled the same sweet song, but my ear -was less able to catch the warbling warbler’s -notes, and soon the greenlet, the viero, the -musical, silver-tongued warbler, warbled for -me all in vain.</p> - -<p>But as I walked I thought how rarely that -we meet people who are indifferent to birds, -and how desolate our lanes, woods and gardens -would be without them. And how -much beauty is added to bushes, flowers, and -trees, if a singing bird rests on them long -enough for us to listen to his song. And -then I named over some favorite birds. The -meadow lark, blue jay, Carolina wren, wood -thrush, robin, swallow. But suddenly I -heard “Me-au, me-au,” as if a cat was near.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -I stood just where I was, to discover the -creature. My thought of birds gave a -thought of protection. A moment later and -I laughed aloud, for flying over my head was -the jolly song-bird, called cat-bird, who has -a bad habit of mewing. But the sunshine -seemed pleasant company for him; for -watching the cat-bird’s movements I saw -him alight on a tree close by, and with a -hop and a skip go from limb to limb.</p> - -<p>Whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, and again -on the alert, my eyes were almost strained, -this time in effort to follow the sad cry, looking -everywhere for whip-poor-will. When -what a pleasant surprise, to learn that whip-poor-will -was none other than the brilliantly -colored mocking bird, whose fancy had dictated -the whip-poor-will’s melancholy notes -and now whizzed close to me, to nestle on -the blackberry blossoms a few steps beyond.</p> - -<p>Then walking on I thought of the many -birds about us, the brown thrasher, and -white-throated sparrow, the tree sparrow, -the bank and barn swallows, and the sociable -sparrow, dear little chippy, and of what -I had read about fly-catchers and veerys, -and the crested titmouse who gleefully -shouts in the wildest winds, “T’ sweet -here! t’ sweet here!”</p> - -<p>My walk by this time was hurried into a -run, and I caught my foot into some poor -bird’s nest that was hidden in the long grass, -and I almost fell, but being glad I had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -tripped over a rut-runner, I thought of the -quotation, “Runs like the kill-deer up the -rut,” and a warbler near sang so cheerily that -I forgot my accident and soon reached the -creek towards which I was hastening. -When who should come first to greet me but -a yellow-billed cuckoo. And thus my mind -dwelt on other birds that liked creeks and -lakes, such as the kingfisher, and on the instant -I heard the report of a gun, and sure -enough one of these birds had just been shot. -I knew this because of the excitement of a -group of gunners.</p> - -<p>Poor bird! How many birds’ lives end in -a similar way. The cardinal grosbeak and -the myrtle bird, a greenlet in color, we -fancy myrtle suggests greenlet, the snow-buntings, -horned larks, golden-crowned -kinglet and vesper sparrows, the red-polls -and crossbills, the plovers, the golden -herons, night-herons, sandpipers, coots, -hawks, geese, and swans,—all are marks for -the hunter.</p> - -<p>And then I thought, Oh, if I could fly over -this clapper-rail ahead of me! It is so very -stupid to keep my feet on the earth. How -jolly to flap my wings to the Lapland long-spur. -I would visit the raven and all -the rest of the feathered family on the -way.</p> - -<p>But my walk had ended and such a pretty -warbler warmly welcomed me home,—my -golden-hued, night-singing canary.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> - -<p>PARLOR FORTUNE-TELLING.</p> - -<p>This amusement is sure to interest, and -may be played by any number of people, -the more the merrier.</p> - -<p>Those to have their fortune told should -have a slip of paper and a pencil. The one -telling the fortune dictates from the book -what to write. After all the answers are -written, the fortune-teller reads the questions, -and the players in turn read the answers -aloud, according to what they have written. -Suppose the following fortune:</p> - -<p>1. Have you a favorite? Yes.</p> - -<p>2. What is her name? A girl’s name.</p> - -<p>3. What color is her hair? A color.</p> - -<p>4. What color are her eyes? A color.</p> - -<p>5. Does she wear spectacles? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>6. How old is she? A number.</p> - -<p>7. How tall is she? A number of feet.</p> - -<p>8. Is she pretty? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>9. How many teeth has she? A number.</p> - -<p>10. How much money has she? An -amount of dollars.</p> - -<p>11. What shape is her mouth? A shape.</p> - -<p>12. What shape is her nose? A shape.</p> - -<p>13. How large is her hand? A number -of inches.</p> - -<p>14. How large are her feet? A number -of inches.</p> - -<p>15. Is she fond of music? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>16. What is her favorite book? The -name of a book.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -17. Does she dance? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>18. Can she sing? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>19. Does she recite? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>20. What can she cook best? Mention an article of diet.</p> - -<p>21. Does she use a chafing dish? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>22. Can she make her own hats? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>23. What is her greatest virtue? A virtue.</p> - -<p>24. What is her greatest fault? A fault.</p> - -<p>25. Where does she live? A city.</p> - -<p>26. In a handsome house? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>27. Does she ride a bicycle? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>28. Are you glad you are acquainted with her? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>29. Does she like you? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>30. Will her father give her a marriage dowry? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>31. How many dollars? An amount of money.</p> - -<p>32. Where will you be married? A place.</p> - -<p>33. Will you be a model husband? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>34. How many dollars a year will you give her for housekeeping -purposes? An amount of money.</p> - -<p>35. Where will you live? A city.</p> - -<p>36. Will you entertain much? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>37. Will you travel? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>38. What city will you first visit? A city.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p>39. How long will you remain there? A period of time.</p> - -<p>40. When will you return home? A period of time.</p> - -<p>41. Will your home be happy? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>42. Would you be sorry if you were never -married? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>43. Next to yourself, whom do you like -best? A girl’s name.</p> - -<p>44. Will your wife be jealous? Yes or -no.</p> - -<p>45. Will your wife lecture? Yes or no.</p> - -<p>46. What is she doing now? Describe a -motion.</p> - -<p>47. What would you like her to do? Describe -a motion.</p> - -<p>48. What is your highest ambition? A -state of being.</p> - -<p>49. Will your life be crowned with success? -Yes or no.</p> - - -<h3>“IT.”</h3> - -<p>Many of the games with which we are -familiar in the United States are well known -throughout Great Britain and on the Continent. -But among the most amusing and -most popular of English games is one of -which we know little or nothing. It is dignified -by the two-lettered name, “It.”</p> - -<p>This is altogether suitable for the parlor, -and may be played by everybody if we will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -except the very young people. It creates -roars of laughter, on account of the funny -mistakes made by the questioners. “It” -is a great mystery, and the longer it is played -the greater mystery often it becomes. Only -those understanding this game may remain -in the room. All others must leave; there -is no alternative. One of the party, unfamiliar -with the game, is then selected to -return, and must, by questioning those in -the parlor, learn what “it” is. When he -knows “it,” he too must remain behind, -and some one else is selected to fill his -place. In this way the game is carried on, -until each one in turn comes in and finds out -the secret.</p> - -<p>“It” is really the person who sits at your -left, but, before this is discovered, usually -much amusement is made. The game is -played in the following way:</p> - -<p>All in the parlor must sit in a circle, and -must not change their positions. When the -player is called in, he is told to ask a question -of whomsoever he may please, and the -person must correctly answer. For example—“Is -‘it’ white?” As everybody -present is white, the answer is necessarily -“Yes.”</p> - -<p>The questioner then asks another person. -“Is ‘it’ thin?” and if the person thus questioned -is thin, the answer is again, “Yes.” -Perhaps this question may be repeated, and -some one else is asked, “Do you also think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -‘it’ is thin?” and if this person has someone -for a left-hand neighbor who is very -stout, of course he answers, “No.”</p> - -<p>And thus the questioner is mystified, and -must continue question after question. For -a long time he may think “it” is a thing. -Therefore a good question to put would be, -“Is ‘it’ alive?” And then he might ask, -“Is ‘it’ in this room?” Then he might try -complexion, and again would be mystified, -for if he asked, “Is ‘it’ a brunette?” and -the reply being “Yes,” his next question, -“Has ‘it’ dark eyes?” would perhaps have -for answer, “No,” and, “Has ‘it’ light -hair?” “Yes.” And so the secret seems -harder than ever.</p> - -<p>A good way is to ask the same questions -over and over, and try to locate “it” in that -way. But the questioner should not easily -be discouraged. A few points may be given -to him, such as some of the above. The -players would better announce “It” as a -trick game.</p> - - -<h3>THE CENT HUNT.</h3> - -<p>Say that a cent is wrapped in tissue-paper -and is within sight. The discoverer quietly -tells you, and if he is correct, reward -him.</p> - -<p>Afterwards give a cent, pencil and paper -to everybody, and state five minutes are allowed -to write what each side of the cent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -will tell. This game is called, A Penny for -your Thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Find on one side: A beverage—T. A -messenger—one c(s)ent. A piece of armor—shield. -A symbol of victory—wreath. A -weapon—arrow. A mode of punishment—stripes. -A gallant—bow. A sheet of water—C.</p> - -<p>“Find on the other side: A portion of a -hill—brow. A place of worship—temple. -An animal—hare. Youth and old age—18—96. -One way of expressing marriage—U. S. -A cultivated flower—tulip. An emblem of -royalty—crown. Fruit—date.”</p> - - -<h3>A FAGOT PARTY.</h3> - -<p>This is a very entertaining amusement -and suitable for all ages.</p> - -<p>As the word fagot means a bundle of -twigs, it suggests an open fire. Therefore -home and hearth are indispensable environment.</p> - -<p>There should be just as many twigs as -there are girls and boys. The idea being -that each should draw a twig from the bundle -as his name is called. And they are -called by the hostess according to the letters -of the alphabet. Whosever name therefore -commences with A, should draw the first -twig. Having drawn the twig, A puts it on -the open fire and at once commences to tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -a story. As long as the twig lasts, A must -continue to talk, but when it is burned he -must stop, and as twigs are apt to burn -very rapidly when toward the end, the story -is not infrequently wound up in a jiffy. As -soon as A has finished, the next name is -called and that person does exactly as did -the first one, only he must tell a different -story. And so on until everybody has taken -his turn.</p> - - -<h3>THE HUNTER.</h3> - -<p>This very lively game is played by both -boys and girls, and the more, of course, the -merrier. The hunter must be a boy, and to -decide which boy, it is best to count out. -Use for counting the old rhyme,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Ana, mana, mona, mike,</div> -<div class="verse">Bassa, lona, bona, strike,</div> -<div class="verse">Hare, ware, frown, stack,</div> -<div class="verse">Halloka, balloka, wee, woe, why, whack.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Whoever is fortunate enough to have the -word “whack” counted to him is out, and -then the rhyme must be repeated over and -over, and finally the hunter is left. It now -becomes his duty to name the rest of the -company as his equipments as sportsman, -and also as his game; for example, pointer, -setter—two species of hunting dogs—and -shot, belt, powder, gun, powder-flask, rifle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -cartridge, rabbit, squirrel, partridge, kingfisher, -etc., etc.</p> - -<p>Put two rows of chairs back to back. -There should be one chair less than there -are players. This done, each one of the -company except the hunter takes a chair. -The hunter, standing before the rest of the -players, then sings, to the tune of “I Love -a Sixpence,”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">I am a hunter, a jolly, jolly hunter;</div> -<div class="verse">I love hunting as I love my life.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">This he may sing over as many times as he -likes, but finally stops short in the middle or -anywhere, and immediately calls out a name—for -instance, “Shot.” The person bearing -this name must at once rise, and hurrying -towards the hunter, must take hold of the -back of his coat or jacket. Then the hunter -continues his song, and calls for each one, -until all are behind him, each holding firmly -to the one in front. When all are in place, -the hunter starts running, all of the party -following and holding tightly together. He -may run around the chairs or wherever he -pleases, provided he keeps in the room. For -fully two minutes this must keep up, when -suddenly he will call, “Bang!” and instantly -sit on one of the chairs. Of course there is -a great scramble for every one to do likewise, -but as one chair is short, some one is -necessarily left out, and this person now becomes -the hunter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p>The game now continues as before, or it -may be varied by the hunter having to find -something hidden.</p> - -<p>Any object may be placed out of sight in -the room, and when the hunter nears it, the -company may aid him by the usual words, -“warm, warmer, hot,” or “cool, very cold, -freezing, zero, below zero,” etc. If he finds -it within five minutes, he may choose -another hunter, but if not he must pay a -forfeit, to be determined by the rest of the -players.</p> - -<p>Or the game may be played in a similar -way by the use of nautical instead of hunting -terms. Should this be preferred, the -hunter becomes the captain, and instead of -singing to his company he may blow a few -blasts on a horn. He is supposed to be on -shipboard, so he must have ship equipment, -crew, officers, passengers, cargo. Again the -players must be named, only this time call -them lifeboat, rope, anchor, sailor, steward, -captain’s boy, purser, first-mate, doctor, etc.</p> - - -<h3>FIVE.</h3> - -<p>Select a boy and hand him a knotted -handkerchief. He must throw the handkerchief -at a player, and before he can count -aloud five the person to whom it is thrown -must mention a round thing, such as an -apple, a globe. If that person fails, he must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -change places with the one who has caught -him, and throw the handkerchief at another. -As no repetitions are allowed it will soon -be difficult to find an object that is round.</p> - - -<h3>BREAKFAST.</h3> - -<p>Every player is seated. Turn to the -person at your right and ask, “Will you -come to breakfast?” To which the answer -is “Yes.” When that question and answer -have gone around the room, the first one -must ask, “What would you like for breakfast?” -Perhaps the reply would be, “Milk;” -and he then puts the question to his right-hand -neighbor, who perhaps would say -“Oatmeal,” and so on, until no sensible answer -can be made, for no repetitions can -occur in this game also. As the different -players fail to respond they must stand.</p> - - -<h3>ALPHABET.</h3> - -<p>Give any letter of the alphabet—for example, -S—to the company, also some paper -and pencils. In five minutes’ time they -should write the names of three celebrated -men, and also three sensible sentences, one -for each man’s name, as, Shakespeare was -born in Stratford on the Avon. Forfeits are -required for failures.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>NINETY-NINE.</h3> - -<p>Cut an equi-triangle out of soft wood or -cardboard. It should measure one foot -each way, and be one-quarter of an inch or -less in thickness. Besides the triangle you -will require white celluloid chips, or the -game may be played with large-sized white -bone buttons.</p> - -<p>Lay the triangle on a smooth-surfaced -table, play in turn, and each player should -start at the place. All players must be -close enough to the table to watch the game. -The point of the game is to make a count -of ninety-nine. Whoever first makes that -number has won.</p> - -<p>The triangle must be placed far enough -from the table’s edge to allow freedom of -room all around it, and it should be kept -firm.</p> - -<p>Put a chip or button with its upper edge -even with the angle from which you start, -and just close enough to make it possible -for it to slide and not receive hindrance. -The chip should touch the entire sliding -length. When all is in correct position, rest -the knuckle of the right thumb (unless you -are left-handed, in that case your left thumb) -on the table, and put the back of the nail of -your second finger about half an inch down -on the inside of the thumb’s fore-joint. -Then push the finger suddenly outward, -running its nail along the table, close to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -thumb’s point, and finally raising the finger -so that its tip is on the table at the exact -moment that it has touched the chip. This -should result in sending the chip the entire -length of the angle’s side. To make a full -count the chip must stop with its outer edge -even with the next angle; the entire chip, -with the exception of the edge, being below -it. When this done, score three, and do -the same thing with the next side, you then -score three more; and again with the third -side, making a count of nine in all. Having -gone around three sides, stop until your -turn is reached again. If however, the -chip is not even with the angle, but has not -gone <i>entirely</i> beyond it, the player may -count one, and may continue playing, the -same as if making a full count. But should -the chip slide entirely beyond the angle, he -cannot count at all, but must withdraw until -his turn comes again.</p> - -<p>He must not be discouraged, however, -but remember that “He laughs best who -laughs last.” Very often those who start successfully, -become too self-conscious, and -make a bad break towards the close of the -game.</p> - -<p>Every time your turn comes, therefore be -as careful as if just commencing. Even -numbers are not counted, make one or three. -To be entitled to three you must be perfect; -short of perfection the count is one or nothing, -as the above rules decree.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>THE DAILY PAPER.</h3> - -<p>This game is suitable for either girls or -boys, and furnishes amusement at almost -any age. The interest will be increased or -diminished, according to individual carefulness, -for no one need be caught if they give -close attention. Therefore, to be often -caught indicates lack of interest, which is -not complimentary to your leader, or stupidity, -which is not complimentary to yourself.</p> - -<p>Every player assumes the character of a -business man or woman, or they may have -a profession. They may be manufacturers -or tradespeople, it matters little what, provided -there be no duplicates. Choose one -for your leader who will assume no trade -or profession, but will read the newspaper -as will be explained.</p> - -<p>All should sit before the leader, so there -can be no mistake about seeing each other.</p> - -<p>When every person has settled her and -his part, the leader takes up any daily paper -which is convenient and reads from it; but -whenever the leader pauses, and looks at a -player, whether the pause and look is intentional -or accidental, the one looked at -must at once make a suitable remark about -his profession, business or trade. There -must not be a second’s hesitation, and the -more ridiculous such a remark may be, the -more amusement is gotten out of the game.</p> - -<p>As soon as the player has concluded his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -observation, the leader continues reading, -the same as if his theme had not been interrupted, -and in a few seconds, pauses -again, and looks at another player. Then -this player makes his remark instantaneously -about his trade, and thus the game -goes on.</p> - -<p>In order to better understand, suppose the -leader reads, “This is Bunker Hill Day. -It is not a legal holiday, but by general -consent the banks and stores laid aside,” -(here he looks at the dressmaker).</p> - -<p>Dressmaker: “The big sleeves and wide -skirts are not liked by everybody.”</p> - -<p>“The observance of the day by a—”</p> - -<p>Marine Artist: “Sale of my painting -‘Off the Rocks at Scarborough.’”</p> - -<p>“Is limited to Charlestown district, on one -of whose hillslopes stood the Middlesex -farmers, the hayseed still in their—”</p> - -<p>Butcher: “Marrow bones and spareribs.”</p> - -<p>“And in their hands the guns that had -been gaining reputation in the shooting -of—”</p> - -<p>Grocer: “Eggs twenty-five cents a dozen.”</p> - -<p>“And wild fowl. How they refused to -budge before British regulars, until they -had fired all their—”</p> - -<p>Confectioner: “Chocolate caramels packed -in layers with waxed paper between.”</p> - -<p>“Away, and felt the pricks of the enemy’s -polished—”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ironmonger: “Poker and tongs, shovels -and spades.”</p> - -<p>“The world well knows Charlestown -keeps up the remembrance of these—”</p> - -<p>Florist: “Water-lily pads, and moss-rose -buds.”</p> - -<p>“At a lively rate.”</p> - -<p>And so on reads the newspaper, making -the proper pauses and glances, until everybody -has taken part and indeed over and -over again taken part. Care should be used -as to the selection read, as some paragraphs -allow for much more amusement than do -others.</p> - -<p>When any player fails to at once make a -suitable remark he must pay a forfeit, which -can only be redeemed by music or recitation.</p> - - -<h3>THE NEW DIXEY’S LAND.</h3> - -<p>This is an out-of-door game, and may be -played on the ground or on the grass, marking -the court or lawn with the same material -as if arranging a court for tennis.</p> - -<p>Form a circle with a diameter of twelve -feet, divide the circle into quarters, each -quarter representing a section of our country, -east, west, north, south, and should be so -marked. One letter would represent each -word,—E, for east, W, for west, and so on. -The oldest boy now becomes the owner of -the entire territory, and is named Dixey.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -This boy must stand directly at the point -where the lines unite, the middle of the -circle, and as soon as he is in position, -any player may run into any quarter of the -ground. He must not stand on the line; -should he do so, and be tagged on that line, -he can no longer play.</p> - -<p>But having run into a quarter, he must -loudly call, “Dixey, I’m on your North -land, now it belongs to me.” Or, “Dixey, -I’m on your South land,” etc. He must -rightly name the section on which he stands.</p> - -<p>Dixey must tag him before he is through -stating words above given. Should he fail -to do so, the invading player must then -run from the part he has claimed, all around -the outside of the circle, and then to Dixey’s -station, the centre. Dixey, of course, runs -after him, trying to tag him before he completes -the circuit. Neither may take short -cuts by darting across lines, until the run -around the circle is completed, and the invader -strikes in toward Dixey’s middle -ground. Whoever gets there first is now -owner of all, and the original Dixey can -only get back by earning the position, as -the new Dixey has just done.</p> - -<p>The winner of the game is the one who -has been Dixey the greatest number of -times, or should no one be Dixey but once, -whoever holds the position at the game’s -close.</p> - -<p>Therefore the necessity of deciding how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -long you will play before the game commences.</p> - -<p>Any number that can stand on a quarter, -may be there at the same time, as only one -can be Dixey.</p> - -<p>Dixey cannot save himself by failing to -leave his post. The first call he hears, he -must obey, just as any other landowner -would keep off an intruder.</p> - -<p>Every rule must be strictly obeyed. -Should any one fail, he is no longer a player.</p> - -<p>The game is peculiarly adapted to boys, -and each one must be careful neither to be -rough nor rude. In the straining to get -ahead, it will be such an easy thing to -knock another boy down, or to prevent him -from reaching the goal. First, remember to -be honest; second, to be polite.</p> - - -<h3>BATTLE OF FLOWERS.</h3> - -<p>Why should not boys and girls take the -lead in the popular <i>fête?</i> All who own -pony carts, phaetons, wagons of any sort, -or who can borrow them, may enter the -parade and battle, and why not interest -your Sunday or day school in such an -entertainment and secure a large float?</p> - -<p>The designs for floats are innumerable; -among them might be mentioned Flora and -the seasons, America, pagodas, chariots, -Daughters of the American Revolution, the -Floral Queen. The teachers should have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -the matter in charge, and one of them -should act as chairman, and appoint committees -to attend to all the necessary business. -The scholars should willingly assist -in the gathering of flowers, trimming, or -whatever would be required.</p> - -<p>All the vehicles must be transformed into -moving bowers, and this necessitates considerable -work, but it is work that pays; -besides, the real jolly boys and girls will -only consider that they have had great fun.</p> - -<p>Decide on your decorations, and then -gather flowers. You will need a great -many to make much show. And wire will -be found helpful in making the flowers -stand upright, or giving the desired twist. -Flowers may be tied upon cord, and when a -long rope is made, it can be wound around, -or fastened to the carriage, but it will take -less time, and be less hurtful to the hands, -if you cut a piece of wire netting the desired -shape, and run the flower stems through -the holes, or cut a piece of soft muslin the -correct shape, and baste the flowers on. -Flowers such as golden-rod, will need to -have all the leaves stripped before commencing -to decorate. Wreaths the exact -size of the wheel hubs will look very handsome, -particularly if the spokes are wound -about with satin ribbon the same color as -the flowers. If you cover the reins, sew -two pieces of ribbon lengthwise, through -which the reins will slip; put full bows of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -the same on the harness, and cover the -collar with flowers. The same ribbon -should also appear in the carriage decoration.</p> - -<p>A very pretty effect is gotten from white -hydrangeas and yellow satin ribbons, or -white hydrangeas tipped with pink and pink -satin ribbons. Violet-colored flowers look -well in such a parade, and a stylish cut carriage -may be trimmed with ears and husks -of corn, suspending the ears by the husks. -The costume of those inside the carriage -must be complementary to the decoration.</p> - -<p>The streets through which you pass should -look festive and the spectators be dressed in -holiday attire. A line of march must be -arranged, and, on the counter-march, the -battle begins. Then roses and flowers of -all sorts are thrown from carriage to carriage, -and from the carriages to the people on the -street, and from those on the street to the -carriages; indeed people throw them with -both hands, so excited they become.</p> - -<p>Until it is time for the battle, have your -baskets full of flowers to throw well hidden. -And when the pelting begins have a sufficient -supply, so that it will not be necessary -to use any of the decorations.</p> - - -<h3>GRACE HOOPS.</h3> - -<p>This game is usually played out of doors, -but it may be played in large rooms or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -conservatories, provided you put out of -accident’s way all the <i>bric-à-brac</i>, potted -plants, and palms. Try the game also in -an enclosed veranda or sun-parlor, should -the time appointed prove stormy, or the -grass be soggy from last night’s storm, or -there be too high a wind.</p> - -<p>Grace hoops require a pole, not as tall -as a maypole, but one smooth at the top. -The one we lately saw had been a noticeable -balsam tree, until cut off five feet from -the ground. Its top was stocky, its side -branches as healthful and green appearing -as ever, notwithstanding the fact that they -had been trimmed close enough to allow a -small hoop to easily fall over them.</p> - -<p>The rings called grace hoops are made of -light wood, not dissimilar to embroidery -rings, excepting that they are nearly two -feet in diameter. To make such a game -very pretty, trim the hoops with wild -flowers, wintergreen berries or leaves. All -the girls should wear gay frocks and flower-dressed, -broad-brimmed hats.</p> - -<p>If you are playing the game in the spring, -suggest spring flowers and colors in your -costume. A pretty effect would be gotten -from a violet-colored cloth, trimmed with -purple velvet, with a glint of gold revealed -in the shoulder-bow ribbons and wide sash, -the hat being a deep yellow straw flat, -massed with single violets. Arbutus, wild -roses, lilies of the valley, lilacs and cowslips,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -as, also, the new green, are all suggestive -of spring, and catchy lawn toilets.</p> - -<p>Throw the grace hoops over the pole, and -there let them hang until the score has -counted. You may each throw in turn, as -often as has been decided before the game -opens. Each time the hoop hangs on the -pole it counts one.</p> - -<p>Pretty silk badges may be lettered or gold-starred, -to denote your score, or you may -use plain cardboard, and mark such with a -lead pencil. Between each round the score -must be marked. After the last round is -played distribute rewards, which may assume -any character you please, but it is -better to give wreaths of flowers, or crown -the hero with laurel. The wreath might go -to the highest girl scorer, and the laurel to -the boy, or give each wreaths, or each bouquets.</p> - -<p>A simple grace-hoop game is played by -two people. Stand facing each other, ten -feet apart, and rapidly toss the hoop from -one to the other, catching it on sticks. Try -and see how often you can keep it from -falling.</p> - - -<h3>AN AMATEUR CIRCUS.</h3> - -<p>When so many young people are trained -in athletic sports, calisthenics, delsarte exercises, -etc., why not form an amateur circus -company? Limit the number to twenty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -four, the girls and boys being equal or unequal -in number, as seems best. Such a -company might easily arrange an attractive -entertainment, and invite their friends to an -occasional matinée performance, or, should -they feel inclined, they could give a performance -as a charity benefit.</p> - -<p>Musicians, tricksters, clowns, animals and -a ring would be required.</p> - -<p>The space for the ring would be the most -difficult to obtain, but many people have -large shady grounds connected with their -homes that it would be a pleasure to lend to -their young friends.</p> - -<p>Outline a ring as you would mark a court, -and make it sufficiently large to comfortably -give your exhibition. Do not attempt a -tent.</p> - -<p>Place the seats for your audience six feet -back of the ring, as this allows freedom for -both performers and spectators. Keep an -entrance to the ring free, so that performers -do not disarrange the seats.</p> - -<p>As nearly as possible, copy the programme -of the regular circus; therefore, the first display -should be the grand tournament and -triumphal <i>entrée</i>, when the entire company -should march several times around the ring. -Every one should look fantastic; some of -the girls might go bareheaded, others wear -wreaths of artificial flowers, and again others -wear jaunty caps, etc. Remember that -fancy-colored paper, muslin, gold paper, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -spangles, will give showy effect. The -clowns should be either very thin or very -stout. The thin ones may be made stout -by building themselves with cotton batting. -A noticeable costume for the clowns might -be white muslin, showered with gold and -silver stars and spangles, or yellow muslin -ornamented with silver or red full moons, -circles or polka dots. And their head -covering might be white beaver hats or -fools’ caps.</p> - -<p>Throughout the procession, carry numerous -flags and banners. An effective banner -might be made of white canton flannel, -showered with diamond dust; indeed make -the <i>entrée</i> as gay as flowers, color and -spangles can produce.</p> - -<p>The entire company should be active -members, some of them being the drum -corps, others musicians; comic songs should -be sung by the funny clown, assisted by a -chorus.</p> - -<p>There should be walking and running -matches, three-legged and sack races, jumping, -fancy tumbling, sensational feats of all -sorts. There could be a mimic football -match, and a tennis tournament between -those who had never held a racket; indeed -anything could be introduced that would -give genuine fun. The clowns should tell -several jokes, and laughable stories, ride -pigs, cows, and make themselves generally -ridiculous.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> - -<p>Perhaps some of the company could borrow -trained dogs or other trained animals. -If so, remember that tricks are always -entertaining.</p> - - -<h3>THE STILL HUNT.</h3> - -<p>Possibly some of the boys’ fathers have -been still hunting, and if so they fully understand -that it means deer hunting without -hounds.</p> - -<p>The game still hunt differs from the real -hunt in many ways, but possibly the most -important one is in the fact that the deer in -this case is only the form of a deer. It is -better to play it out of doors, but if you have -a large enough room it may be played anywhere.</p> - -<p>Whoever can draw best should be the -individual to outline the deer, and it must be -drawn on the ground. The best ground is -gravel, though, as in the case of tennis, or -other field games, the deer may be designed -on the grass.</p> - -<p>The deer should be fully grown and have -large antlers. After he is distinctly drawn -he must be surrounded by a circle, the line -of which measures four feet from the nearest -point of the deer.</p> - -<p>When the game is played out of doors, a -smooth round stone about the size of a walnut -will be required; but when played inside -use a fifty-cent piece, or an old-fashioned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -cent. And for the indoor drawing use -chalk.</p> - -<p>The deer circle being now ready, the -girls and boys become hunters, and state -which part of the deer they want. Some -will decide on the antlers, because they will -make a useful ornament, and they will have -them serve as a rack for a gun or umbrella. -Others again want a hoof, because it will -make such a fine hunting-knife or paper-cutter -handle, and so each part of the deer -is divided.</p> - -<p>When everybody has selected their part, -the tallest hunter takes his stand, with his -toes to the outer edge of the circle, and as -far from the part he selected as is possible. -He then throws the stone. If it rests on any -part of the chosen place, he may count ten, -but if the stone stops outside of the part, he -is marked down five. He then picks up the -stone, and hands it to the next player, who -is the one next to himself in height. Then -this hunter takes his stand at the place furthest -from his selected part, and thus the -game continues, until all have played in -turn. Then the first hunter takes another -chance, and so on again all follow. The -one counting fifty first has won.</p> - -<p>It is necessary to keep an accurate score, -as the fives marked against the hunters have -to be deducted; indeed if great care is not -used, a hunter will be in debt, instead of -earning his game. Therefore, the best hunter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -is he who keeps <i>still</i> and takes accurate -aim. If he fails at the first throwing, notice -where the fault lies,—it may be less force is -required.</p> - -<p>It is better to have an umpire; therefore -select one before the game begins, and remember -to pleasantly abide by his decision.</p> - -<p>The stone must be altogether on, to be -counted on, and in the case of the antlers -the stone must touch some of the antler -points.</p> - - -<h3>LAWN GOLF.</h3> - -<p>This is played somewhat like croquet, -only twenty-five wickets are used, instead -of nine, and they are placed one after another, -all around the ground. Beyond each -wicket is a small hole, large enough for the -ball to enter, and the game is to send the -ball through the wicket and into the hole at -one shot. When a player fails to do this, -he may be allowed three shots to an inning.</p> - -<p>Before commencing the game, state the -time it will be played.</p> - -<p>Decide who is to lead by shooting an arrow -from a selected point. Whoever throws -the farthest is to go first, the others follow, -according to the distance made. In considering -space, measure the distance between -the starting place and the arrow’s -sharp end.</p> - -<p>If you want a famous good time give a -Lawn Golf Party.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> - -<p>When you do so trim the handles of your -golf sticks with gay-colored ribbons, and at -the game’s close, give the champions paper-flower -rewards.</p> - -<p>Exquisite flowers may nowadays be made -out of paper, and the making of such afford -only pleasure. Roses of all shades are fetching, -so also are violets, and some varieties -of lilies. Every one who lives in a large -city will at once know where to get materials -and instruction, and one girl can readily -teach another. Those who live in the country -or small villages, surely have some kind -city friend who can select and send materials, -and possibly written directions about -the making.</p> - -<p>After presenting the rewards, have supper -on the lawn, and afterwards other games -are in order.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>GROWN-UPS.</h2> - - -<h3>ALPHABETICAL GEOGRAPHY.</h3> - -<p>Give every one in the room a number. -And when you call for a number announce -a letter of the alphabet. The person called -must, before you count six, apply the letter -to the name of a place and to two things he -might see there.</p> - -<p>For example:</p> - -<p>No. 1. Y.</p> - -<p>I am going to York to see Youngsters and -Yachts.</p> - -<p>No. 2. B.</p> - -<p>I am going to Baltimore to see Belles and -Beaux.</p> - - -<h3>COMPOSITION.</h3> - -<p>Arrange for it beforehand, and therefore -have the requisite slips of paper, and nicely -sharpened lead pencils ready for all, but if -you are not ready there is a certain satisfaction -in knowing that part of the amusement -may be in the preparation. In the latter -case, have a competition as to who will -make the sharpest points on the pencils, or -cut the papers the most accurately; when -all is prepared, however, give slips of paper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -and lead pencils to your friends, and ask -them to write the words you will name. -State that they will have fifteen minutes in -which to write a composition, and put into -the same every word you have mentioned. -No one can look over his neighbor’s paper, -and each composition must be signed with -the writer’s full name.</p> - -<p>When the time has expired, all the compositions -are collected and read aloud, votes -are taken as to which is the best, and the individual -having received the highest number -of votes is entitled to a prize.</p> - -<p>Example: Wreath, Mausoleum, suicide, -farewell, another, conjointly, starred, huntsman’s -song, early, queen, historical, many, -dramas.</p> - -<p>Alfred, Lord Tennyson, was for <i>many</i> -years Poet Laureate. He wrote several -poems, descriptive, <i>historical</i>, national and -otherwise. He also wrote three notable -<i>dramas</i>, one called Becket, known as -Thomas à Becket, Chancellor of England, -afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, <i>another</i> -called <i>Queen</i> Mary, the ill-<i>starred</i> -daughter of Henry the Eighth, and Harold, -who was Earl of Wessex, afterwards King -of England.</p> - -<p><i>Early</i> in life Tennyson wrote several -poems, <i>conjointly</i> with his brother Charles. -Among these were the <i>Huntsman’s Song</i>, -The Grave of a <i>Suicide</i>, The Fall of Jerusalem, -and the Bard’s <i>Farewell</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> - -<p>Tennyson’s monument is in that great -English <i>mausoleum</i>, Westminster Abbey. -On the dark stone slab, the visitor may frequently -see a <i>wreath</i> of laurel, so placed in -grateful memory.</p> - -<p>As this game would oftener than otherwise -be played informally, the matter of -prizes cannot be too simple. If you are in -the birch-bark section, why not make a bookmark -or a napkin ring out of the bark? -Should you be at the seashore make a nest -of shells. For example, find a large mussel -shell, and next to it put one a size smaller, -and so on fit in the others, graduating them -evenly, the top one being very small. Or -give a curious shell, which may be used as -an ornament or receptacle.</p> - - -<h3>INITIAL PLATTER TWIRLING.</h3> - -<p>This is very amusing, but the players -must be on the alert or they will surely be -caught.</p> - -<p>Before the game commences, every player -must tell the initials of his and her name, -and to aid memory, slips of paper may be -given, on which each one may write his initials.</p> - -<p>When the sentence is called by the person -twirling the platter, all the company must -eagerly listen, or else the platter will fall to -the floor before the one who should have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -run for it, recognizes he is the one called. -If the platter is not caught by the proper -person before it ceases to whirl, he or she -must exchange places with the one who has -whirled the platter. As the sentences are -impromptu, they are apt to be absurd and -ridiculous, but in any case they should be -correct, or the one making the error must -give a forfeit. Each sentence must have as -many words as the initials of the one called, -and each word must commence with the -right letter. Example: Frank Fraser Phillips -might be called French Fried Potatoes. Or -Janet Belle Roberts might be June Brings -Roses.</p> - -<p>This game should cause much merriment. -It quickens thought and language, and it is -suitable to all ages,—the boys and the girls, -or their fathers and mothers.</p> - - -<h3>OVER, OVER, WHOSE HEAD IS IT OVER?</h3> - -<p>This is a clever trick, and it requires two -persons. The idea is for the confederate -out of the room to correctly name the individual -over whose head the other person is -holding a wand.</p> - -<p>A person takes a cane, which he carelessly -points toward some one; while so doing he -is cleverly explaining what he is about to -do, asking people to move, in order to further -mystify, etc. The confederate notes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -where the cane is pointing, then goes from -the room, and the one holding the wand -puts it over several heads, saying “Over,” -which the confederate echoes, until finally -the question comes, when the wand is over -the person before surreptitiously pointed -out, “Whose head is it over?” The confederate’s -answer is naturally correct.</p> - - -<h3>TEAKETTLE.</h3> - -<p>This may be played by a number of -people.</p> - -<p>A noun which has two or more meanings -is selected. One may be thought of by any -of the players, and in describing the same -he should use the word “teakettle” instead -of the proper name. All meanings of the -word must be explained, but not too clearly -at the first, else the “teakettle” will be -at once guessed. When any of the listeners -think they have discovered the word, instead -of naming it, he should ask a question -regarding the “teakettle” which would indicate -to the one describing the same, -whether the interrogator was correct. If -correct, he too joins in the description, and -throws light on the word. This should be -continued until all the company show by -their conversation that they know the noun -selected. Not infrequently it is necessary -to talk very plainly, or throw “electric -light” on the teakettle before it is guessed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> - -<p>Example: The teakettle I have in my -mind, has been from the creation of the -world, and will continue until the world -ends. It is also peculiar in being of the -most service during the winter, and forms a -distinguished position in the homes of all -American households at Thanksgiving dinners. -My teakettle is cultivated on the farm -of many a plain countryman, but graces the -table of many a fastidious city millionaire, -and the longer it lasts, the shorter it grows. -Already somebody is sure they know the -word, and says, “Your teakettle may be -squandered, may it not?” and another asks, -“Wasn’t it Queen Elizabeth who would have -given her crown for a diminutive teakettle?” -And yet another asks, “Is it not savory, and -of great assistance to the poultry cook?” -And thus light is thrown, until the teakettle -in question is known to be another name for -<i>thyme</i>, and <i>time</i>.</p> - - -<h3>AUTHORS.</h3> - -<p>This is a popular game for students young -or old.</p> - -<p>Some one who understands should have -charge.</p> - -<p>Give each person the same sized piece of -writing paper and a lead pencil. On the -piece of paper he must write a familiar -quotation, and then pass it to his left-hand -neighbor. The one who receives it must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -add the author’s name, and also his own. -If he does not know the author, he must -write underneath the quotation the word -“Unknown,” and his own name.</p> - -<p>Five minutes are allowed in which to -write a quotation, and three minutes to -affix the name of the author, and the signature -of the writer. The papers are then -collected by the person in charge, who will -then proceed to read aloud the quotations, -authors, and signatures.</p> - -<p>All persons unable to write a quotation -must pay a forfeit. All unable to transcribe -the name of the author, must also pay a -forfeit.</p> - -<p>Should there be a dispute regarding an -author, the one in charge must decide.</p> - -<p>Example:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Bottles and blisters, powders and pills,</div> -<div class="verse">Catnip, boneset syrup and squills;</div> -<div class="verse">Drugs and medicines, high and low,</div> -<div class="verse">I throw them as far as I can throw</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 13em;"><span class="smcap">Will Carleton</span></span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 13em;"><span class="smcap">George Jones</span>.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>AUTHORS.</h3> - -<p class="center">No. 2.</p> - -<p>The hostess should form a ring with herself -in the centre, and to make it more comfortable -all should have chairs. Number -each person, naming yourself last. Number -one repeats a quotation, Number two tells -the author, Number three gives another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -quotation, and Number four gives the author, -and so on. The person in charge, who -is the one in the centre of the ring, keeps -the game under proper control and time. -No longer than ten seconds should be allowed -for each person to respond. Every -wrong guess of an author demands a forfeit. -Surely, every one can give a quotation.</p> - -<p>Example:</p> - -<p>No. 1, gives,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Old Mother Hubbard</div> -<div class="verse">Went to the cupboard.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>No. 2, Mother Goose.</p> - -<p>No. 3,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Between the dark and the daylight,</div> -<div class="verse">When the night is beginning to lower.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>No. 4, Longfellow.</p> - -<p>No. 5,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Not a lord in all the country</div> -<div class="verse">Is so great a lord as he.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>No. 6, Tennyson.</p> - - -<h3>GHOST.</h3> - -<p>This is a spelling game. A person gives -a letter, not necessarily having any particular -word in mind, his next neighbor must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -think of a word beginning with this letter, -and then say the second letter, the third -person must think of a word using the two -letters previously given, and add the third -and so on, to the end of the word. A person -is not a ghost until he is four times -caught.</p> - -<p>The penalties are to be challenged rightfully, -to challenge wrongfully, or to complete -a word. The challenging consists in -doubting a letter which a player has given. -A player may say, “I challenge you,” when -a person has added a letter, if he feels sure -there is no word spelled in that order. If -rightfully challenged, the speaker has one -penalty against him as ghost. If, on the -contrary, he gives the word which he had -in his mind, as he is bound to do when -challenged, the challenger is one-fourth of -a ghost.</p> - -<p>Every word finished makes one-fourth of -a ghost, but it is proper to add a letter and -thus form a new syllable. If a syllable of -a word is a complete word in itself, the one -pronouncing the last letter has incurred the -penalty. For example, take the word revelry. -R-e-v-e have been given, and unless -the fifth player can think of n, and change it -to revenue, or some other word, he must say -l, and thus the word ends.</p> - -<p>Whoever is ghost has to keep absolute -silence throughout the game.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>CELEBRATED AUTHORS.</h3> - -<p>One member of the company should leave -the room, while those who remain determine -what celebrated author he is to represent.</p> - -<p>On his return, he must in all respects be -treated as that author would be were he the -guest of the evening. He must be entertained -by conversation and questions which -would be of interest. Neither the conversation -nor the questions may be misleading, -but on the contrary helpful to the discovery -of himself. He may be Shakespeare or Kirk -Monroe, or if a girl she may be Lucy Larcom -or Mary E. Wilkins.</p> - -<p>Suppose Shakespeare is the distinguished -guest. Of course all polite people would -rise to receive him, and the hostess would -offer him the most comfortable chair; every -one’s manner would indicate that they were -in the presence of greatness.</p> - -<p>The conversation would naturally be of -England and the changes that had come to -her within the last three hundred years. -That the town in which he was born had -changed greatly; that the streets once so -full of mud and refuse were now not only -clean and tidy but almost uncomfortable -with too great cleanliness and neatness. -That the town owned a very pretty theatre, -ornamented with statues of heroes and heroines. -That a fine drinking fountain had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -lately been put there by a philanthropic visitor -from Philadelphia, now dead. That -the townspeople had been known to express -their delight over the fact that he had been -so obliging as to be born there.</p> - -<p>He might be asked how he liked Queen -Elizabeth, and if it was true she was as fond -of him as had been expressed, and if so why -didn’t he write something In Memoriam of -her?</p> - -<p>If the company discovers that the person -who is personating Shakespeare is not able, -after a few minutes of opportunity, to guess -who he is, they should then throw on more -light, by either asking him more prominent -questions, or in connection with each other -indicate more clearly. Ask some such -question as, How far was the Mermaid -Tavern from the home of John Milton? and, -Did you meet Ben Jonson there? or did -you call for each other and go and dine -together?</p> - -<p>There is great difference of opinion as to -the correct way to spell your name. In the -register which marks your birth, we noticed -in reading the surname, that the letter E -was left out of the first syllable. Do you -put it in the last syllable, or is it out of that -also? Did the boys ever call you Bill? -Isn’t Warwickshire beautiful? What do -you think of the river Avon? In what year -did Bacon write Hamlet?</p> - -<p>Of course, by this time, the celebrated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -Author would be guessed and some one else -would leave the room, another Author be -selected, and the game proceed as before.</p> - - -<h3>THE ARSENAL.</h3> - -<p>The players must be seated in a circle, -with the understanding that whoever smiles -must pay a forfeit. No. 1 turns to his neighbor -on the left and sings, while nodding -his head,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Are you going to the Arsenal, the Arsenal,</div> -<div class="verse">And see the animals in Central Park?</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">The person addressed replies in the same -tune, nodding,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Yes, I’m going to the Arsenal, the Arsenal,</div> -<div class="verse">And see the animals in Central Park.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">Then both sing and nod,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Two of us are going to the Arsenal, the Arsenal,</div> -<div class="verse">And see the animals in Central Park,</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>No. 2 then turns to No 3, nodding and -singing the same question, who replies in -the same way, only singing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Three of us are going to the Arsenal, the Arsenal,</div> -<div class="verse">And see the animals in Central Park.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">And so complete the circle, the chorus being -added to by one or more each time.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>MAGICAL READING.</h3> - -<p>Ask your audience to be seated, while -you talk for a few minutes on the wonders -of occult science. Having mystified them -as much as possible, you arouse their curiosity -by announcing that you are now prepared -to state whatever they may choose to -draw or write, provided the sentence is a -short one, by pressing the words or picture -against your forehead, instead of reading -with the eye.</p> - -<p>You then distribute lead pencils, and -equal sized slips of paper to all who wish to -try, and take your seat at a table, on which -you put a work-basket, with the request -that when they are finished, they will fold -the papers over once and then drop them -in the basket.</p> - -<p>When this is done you draw out any -paper you may first touch; unfolding it so -that you cannot read, you press it against -your forehead, being careful to cover the -entire paper with the fingers of each hand, -which touch each other. You must explain -that this contact is necessary for your -revelation. After some minutes spent in -thought, you read it and immediately draw -another paper, laying each one before you, -behind the basket.</p> - -<p>The trick is simple, and consists in reading -any word or sentence which may first -occur to you, for the first paper, but reading<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -the words thereon, or noting the picture -when you lay it behind the basket. The -picture or words on the first paper are read -for the second, the second read for the -third, and so on, until the last one has been -pressed to the forehead, in removing which -it is hidden by being crushed in the hand, or -in whichever way may prove the easiest at -the time, as the last paper is a necessity to -make up for the one you falsely read.</p> - -<p>It is not often that this trick is detected, -unless it is bunglingly shown, and for that -there is no excuse, as it is ridiculous to exhibit -magic without long and careful practice.</p> - -<p>Always change as much as possible the -method of exhibition and never show this -feat twice in one evening. Remember that -diversion is an important feature in all magical -entertainment; therefore you should -be a capital story-teller, have a fund of funny -stories on which you call at a moment’s need, -for the attention of your friends must be -constantly turned from your nervousness.</p> - -<p>Every one understands that they are being -deceived. You must be a clever magician or -they will discover how.</p> - - -<h3>LAUGHABLE RHYMES.</h3> - -<p>This game may amuse any number, if those -playing will each pleasantly do their part.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p>The company should be seated in a circle -and the one in charge repeats from memory, -reads from a book, or makes up a line of -poetry. The individual to whom he addresses -it, must add a line of the same -rhyme and sense.</p> - -<p>When the director has given his line, he -runs three times around the outside of the -circle, or he may spin a large tin platter. -The second line of poetry <i>must</i> be added -before he completes his third round of the -circle, or before the platter has ceased to -spin. Should the line fail to be given in -time, the one to give it must pay a forfeit. -The director then gives another line to another -person, the game thus continuing -until all have taken part, or the players -desire a change.</p> - -<p>The director may change any time with -any one of the company. Poetry of merit -is not expected.</p> - -<p>Examples:</p> - -<p>Director, (giving a line),</p> - -<p>“Miss Beecher’s class came down the -street.”</p> - -<p>Answer.</p> - -<p>“And every one looked perfectly sweet.”</p> - -<p>Director,</p> - -<p>“Ring, ring, rosy,”</p> - -<p>Answer,</p> - -<p>“I’m your Josy.”</p> - -<p>Director,</p> - -<p>“I wandered by the brook-side.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> - -<p>Answer,</p> - -<p>“I saw you on my morning ride.”</p> - -<p>Another way of playing laughable rhymes, -is to give each one of the company a piece -of paper and a pencil. Each paper has a -verse written on it of the same number of -lines in length. But these lines are incomplete, -as each line is minus one word. This -word may be the last one of a line, or it -may be any of the others. Five minutes is -a fair time to allow for the completion of -these rhymes. Then the papers should be -collected and read aloud, the reader indicating -the supplied words. All failing to -complete their verses within the time allowed -must pay a forfeit.</p> - -<p>Examples:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“It fell of <span style="margin-left: 2em;">itself</span></div> -<div class="verse">The lazy <span style="margin-left: 2em;">ball</span></div> -<div class="verse">And you needn’t tell <span style="margin-left: 2em;">me</span></div> -<div class="verse">I let it <span style="margin-left: 2em;">fall</span></div> -<div class="verse">Perhaps it was <span style="margin-left: 2em;">tired</span></div> -<div class="verse">Like me and <span style="margin-left: 2em;">you</span></div> -<div class="verse">And wanted to <span style="margin-left: 2em;">rest</span></div> -<div class="verse">A minute or <span style="margin-left: 2em;">two.”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Supplied word in parentheses above</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">(you)</span></div> -<div class="verse">“What do <span style="margin-left: 2em;">think</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 4em;">(don’t)</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>I’m sure I <span style="margin-left: 2em;">know.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">(tell)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Don’t <span style="margin-left: 2em;">anybody</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">(oh)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Oh, no! <span style="margin-left: 2em;">no!</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 4em;">(told)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Somebody <span style="margin-left: 2em;">me</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 6em;">(else)</span></div> -<div class="verse">That some one <span style="margin-left: 2em;">said</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">(told)</span></div> -<div class="verse">That so and so <span style="margin-left: 2em;">them</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">(what)</span></div> -<div class="verse">You won’t tell <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I said?”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>For older people, try and pique their memories; -therefore some familiar poem should -be selected, or some sonnet of Shakspeare.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“On either side the river <span style="margin-left: 2em;">lie</span></div> -<div class="verse">Long fields of barley and of <span style="margin-left: 2em;">rye</span></div> -<div class="verse">That clothe the world and meet the <span style="margin-left: 2em;">sky;</span></div> -<div class="verse">And thro’ the field the road runs <span style="margin-left: 2em;">by</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">To many tower’d</span> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Camelot;</span></div> -<div class="verse">And up and down the people <span style="margin-left: 2em;">go</span></div> -<div class="verse">Gazing where the lilies <span style="margin-left: 2em;">blow</span></div> -<div class="verse">Round an island there <span style="margin-left: 2em;">below</span>,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">The island of</span> <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shalott.”</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 11em;">(for)</span></div> -<div class="verse">“So oft have I invoked thee <span style="margin-left: 2em;">my Muse</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 13em;">(in)</span></div> -<div class="verse">And found such fair assistance <span style="margin-left: 2em;">my verse</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 10em;">(got)</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>As every alien pen hath <span style="margin-left: 2em;">my use</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 6em;">(their)</span></div> -<div class="verse">And under thee <span style="margin-left: 2em;">poesy disperse.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 13em;">(on)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Thine eyes that taught the dumb <span style="margin-left: 2em;">high to sing,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 8.5em;">(aloft)</span></div> -<div class="verse">And heavy ignorance <span style="margin-left: 2em;">to fly,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">(the)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Have added feathers to <span style="margin-left: 2em;">learned’s wing</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 7em;">(double)</span></div> -<div class="verse">And given grace a <span style="margin-left: 2em;">majesty.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 10em;">(which)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Yet be most proud of that <span style="margin-left: 2em;">I compile,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">(born)</span></div> -<div class="verse">Whose influence is thine and <span style="margin-left: 2em;">of thee:</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">(mend)</span></div> -<div class="verse">In others’ works thou dost but <span style="margin-left: 2em;">the style,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">(graces)</span></div> -<div class="verse">And arts with thy sweet <span style="margin-left: 2em;">gracèd be;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 9em;">(and)</span></div> -<div class="verse">But thou art all my art <span style="margin-left: 2em;">dost advance</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 8em;">(my)</span></div> -<div class="verse">As high as learning <span style="margin-left: 2em;">rude ignorance.”</span></div> -<div class="verse"></div> -</div> - - -<h3>MAKING A DICTIONARY.</h3> - -<p>This game is more suitable for scholars; -those who have made a study of biography -and definition. It is readily divided in two -parts, and each part may be played separately, -but it is more satisfactory to unite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -them. The first part is to guess who is personated, -and the second is to write definitions. -If everybody understands or is -studying French it would be a change to -personate a Frenchman, and, in like manner, -if every player understands or is studying -German, personate a German, perhaps some -author, whose book is authority in school.</p> - -<p>The leader of the game commences by -stating, “I have compiled a dictionary,” and -if he is personating a German, before proceeding -further he must give that clue. Example: -“Ever since the appearance of the -vocabulary to my German Reader in 1870, -I have been receiving, from various quarters, -suggestions and solicitations of a more general -German dictionary, to be constructed -upon the same plan.” And if he is personating -a Frenchman he must be equally -helpful.</p> - -<p>After this the leader is silent until asked -questions, which he must correctly answer. -Should he be representing the notable Noah -Webster, the following would readily discover -him.</p> - -<p>“Were you born in the United States?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Were you born in the South?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“In the East?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Are you living?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Were you very old when you died?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, in my eighty-fifth year.”</p> - -<p>“What college did you attend?”</p> - -<p>“Yale.”</p> - -<p>“What was your father’s business?”</p> - -<p>“He was a farmer and justice of the -peace.”</p> - -<p>“Tell me about your mother.”</p> - -<p>“She was a descendant of William Bradford, -the second Governor of Plymouth -Colony.”</p> - -<p>“Were you married?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“How many children had you?”</p> - -<p>“Six; one son and five daughters.”</p> - -<p>By this time any player knowing the biography -of Mr. Webster would have guessed -him.</p> - -<p>The leader now distributes to each person -equal sized pieces of paper, on which the -same and several words have been written. -He also gives them lead pencils. The test -is to write the best definitions for these -words, which, if honestly done, is without -consultation. A minute is allowed for each -word, and the papers being signed are then -collected, and by the leader read to the -audience. With a dictionary for reference -there will be no dispute as to who has won.</p> - -<p>Test words should be common ones, as -they are much more difficult to define. For -instance, Defy,—a challenge. Fortieth,—following -the thirty-ninth, or preceded by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -thirty-nine units, things or parts, the quotient -of a unit divided by forty. To-morrow,—a -day after the present. Wrist,—the -joint connecting the hand with the arm. -Rather than such as Homing Home,—used -specifically of carrier pigeons. Subpœna,—a -summons for witnesses. Xanthine,—yellow -dyeing matter in certain plants and -flowers. Islamism,—the Mohammedan religion.</p> - -<p>This game played with the right people, -will give a delightful evening.</p> - - -<h3>DESERT ISLAND.</h3> - -<p>Make believe that you have heard of people -living on a desert island, on which there -is absolutely nothing for their comfort or -enjoyment.</p> - -<p>Distribute an equal number of pieces of -wood, and ask your guests to cut out utensils -for cooking, furniture, etc. Or give -papers, and let each in the game draw articles, -or take the papers and fold to shape -articles. A limit of time must be named, -and in the end, whoever has made or drawn -or folded the greatest number of recognizable -articles has won the game.</p> - - -<h3>THE BUTTERFLY TEST.</h3> - -<p>Cut white writing paper in uniform size—eight -in width by ten in length. Have as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -many pieces of paper as the number of -painters, also several extra ones, as undoubtedly -the butterfly makers would want -to try again and yet again. One palette -would suffice for a large company, for every -one likes to watch the development of his -neighbor’s work, almost as much as he does -his own. But, of course, more palettes may -be used if desired. Oil paints of divers -colors must be placed on the palette, having -a larger amount of the yellow paint than -of any of the others, for not only are there -more yellow butterflies, but yellow often -conspicuously appears in almost every butterfly. -As many palette-knives will be required -as palettes. Brushes are not needed.</p> - -<p>Put one butterfly on one piece of paper -only. Fold the paper you use exactly in -half, creasing it the longest way, thus giving -it the appearance of an ordinary sheet -of letter paper. This done, take the palette-knife -and on its point and edge gather a -little of the paint, putting the knife into the -different portions, and so getting the colors -which you desire. It is better to allow the -paint to extend about half to two-thirds of -an inch along the inside edge of the knife. -All the paint you would need would not -more than cover a five-cent nickel.</p> - -<p>When the paint is on the palette-knife, -open your sheet of paper, and in the exact -centre of the inside crease, put the paint. -This is done by putting the edge of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -point of the knife directly in the crease, and -pressing downward, and also a trifle towards -the right.</p> - -<p>Be satisfied with whatever leaves the knife -the first time. Do not attempt to pick the -paint off, or stick more on. Then carefully -remove all paint from the palette-knife. For -this you will need a small piece of soft cotton -cloth. Where many people are at work -several cloths should be in readiness.</p> - -<p>The palette-knife now being clean, fold -the paper over in the crease first made, being -careful that you have folded it even, -otherwise, the wings of the butterfly would -be out of proportion, one being higher than -the other. When the paper is folded you -will distinctly see the blotch inside, and in -this press heavily with the end of the palette-knife, -starting at the crease and form an -upward long arch, then press again from the -centre towards the right, and arch in the -same way, only proportionately shorter. -The two arches should meet.</p> - -<p>When you have pressed over and over -again on the same places, and find that it is -impossible to further spread your paint, -open the sheet of paper, and inside you will -see a butterfly delicately tinted and veined, -his wings full spread as if to alight on a -white clover, or other sweet-scented wild -flower. In pressing out the paint you can -more fully control the palette-knife, as well -as protect the paper, if you put your fingers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -close to the paint. Sometimes a perfect -butterfly is thus made the first time, but with -a little practice any one may make butterflies -as they will.</p> - -<p>Before painting commences, each artist -should draw from a receptacle a small paper, -which will bear a number. This paper must -be held until the prize is given, as an inexpensive -prize would better be awarded to -the one painting the most natural butterfly.</p> - -<p>When the one in charge calls a number, the -one having it at once goes forward and paints -a butterfly on a paper bearing the same -number as the one he drew. No matter -how many butterflies this individual may -paint, each paper on which the painting is -done must bear the number drawn. As -each butterfly is painted it is placed on the -top of a large table. When all are through -painting, the judge who has hitherto not -been in the room, examines all of the butterflies, -and decides according to number who -is entitled to the prize. Example, No. 23.</p> - -<p>Should there be two or more equally -well done, those who painted them must -each try again. The best of these is then -awarded the prize.</p> - - -<h3>A SKATING PARTY.</h3> - -<p>All taking part should be in costume. -The costumes may relate to a special anniversary,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -such as Lincoln’s or Washington’s -Birthday, or a St. Valentine revel. They -may also be simply fantastic or pretty, or -they may recall the old Knickerbocker days.</p> - -<p>The <i>fête</i> would have to be under the direction -of patronesses. To their decision is left -the programme, time, place, etc. Suppose -for example, it is Washington’s Birthday -night, some one of the number should -represent General Washington. Other characters -should be prominent Revolutionary -heroes, as John Hancock, General Gates, -General Lafayette, etc. Then, too, Mary -and Martha Washington should be on skates, -and Betty Washington, George Washington’s -sister, and other notable women of the Declaration -of Independence period. But besides -these, there should be Clowns and -Dumpies.</p> - - -<h3>PROGRAMME.</h3> - -<p>Cornet solo, followed by bugle call. Enter -General Washington on skates, followed -by two valets.</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes of general skating in costume.</p> - -<p>A sleigh race between the most prominent -generals, and their wives.</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes of general skating in costume.</p> - -<p>A musical match between the clowns and -dumpies.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes of general skating in costume.</p> - -<p>Then all skate, the onlookers and those -taking part, General Washington leading.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>SPECIAL FÊTES.</h2> - - -<h3>LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY AMUSEMENTS.</h3> - -<p>Give a sleighing party. Start immediately -after a mid-day dinner and get home before -the sun sets.</p> - -<p>Every one should attach a knot of tri-colored -ribbon to his coat or jacket. The -horses, sleighs and whips must be decked -with flags and streamers.</p> - -<p>When on the road sing songs of freedom. -“John Brown’s body lies mouldering -in the grave.” “In the beauty of the lilies -Christ was born across the sea,” etc.</p> - -<p>Have a snowball game. Choose sides -and decide who can pitch the farthest.</p> - -<p>Balance a snowball on the end of a cane, -and note which boy can longest keep it from -falling.</p> - -<p>Try a snowshoe race by picked players.</p> - -<p>Make an immense snowball. When it -can be made no larger, let three persons stand -on the top. The tallest should stand in the -centre and wave the flag. One of the party -should take a snap shot at that moment, for -future amusement.</p> - -<p>Arrange a skating party the day before, -and test each one’s skill on the ice—who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -can skate the most rapidly,—who can exhibit -the most figures, etc.</p> - -<p>Give an up-to-date military tournament on -skates. Example, America and Spain.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>If there is neither snow, nor ice, have a -bicycle match. Trim the bicycle with red, -white and blue. Each rider should wear -the same colors. The match may be simply -a question of speed. In that case be careful -to indicate the distance. Competent judges -should witness the start and close of the -race.</p> - -<p>All difficult questions must be decided by -an umpire.</p> - - -<h3>ST. VALENTINE GAMES.</h3> - -<h4><i>A Valentine Hunt.</i></h4> - -<p>This should be given early in the evening, -as it removes shyness and establishes good -fellowship.</p> - -<p>Hide as many small valentines as there -are children, and give five minutes to hunt -for them. Those finding more than one -should put the extra ones on a table, and the -children not finding any are then blindfolded -and allowed to draw one each.</p> - -<h4><i>Rose Guess.</i></h4> - -<p>Present a large rose and let each child -guess how many petals it contains. When<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -all have guessed, pick the petals off, counting -them as they fall. The nearest guesser -receives a prize. An appropriate prize would -be a bonbon box filled with candied rose -leaves.</p> - -<h4><i>Rose Bowl Game.</i></h4> - -<p>Put on a small table, a mat of pink -crinkled tissue paper, and in the centre stand -a cut-glass rose-bowl. The bowl should be -covered with huge pink rose petals, made of -paper, inverted as though the rose were held -in the bowl, the petals all meeting in the -green calyx, which covers the opening of the -bowl. Through the calyx, narrow green -ribbons representing rose stems should appear. -Each child, at a signal, should come -to the table and draw one of the “stems.” -On the end of each will be found a pink -candy heart, and to one of these hearts will -be fastened a tiny love-knot ring.</p> - -<h4><i>The Walnut’s Fortune.</i></h4> - -<p>Open a quantity of walnuts in half. Into -each walnut slip a narrow piece of paper -which will predict the future. Slip a small -elastic over each nut, which will prevent -them from reopening. The boys’ walnuts -should be put in one basket, and the girls’ in -another. The girls’ basket should be offered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -first. As each girl holds her hand over the -basket she should repeat:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Steady, good fairy, I am wary,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Pray let my hand make no mistake;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I would only the right nut take.”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then she puts her hand down, lifts up a -nut, removes the elastic, and taking out the -paper, reads her future aloud. Example, -“You will travel around the world. At the -age of twenty-three you will sing before two -thousand people.” And thus the future is -predicted in similar style for other players.</p> - -<h4><i>Naming the Roses.</i></h4> - -<p>All the young people should personate -favorite roses. Therefore, there should be -many varieties. The parlors should have -arches or wide doorways, through which a -procession may readily move.</p> - -<p>The musicians are advised to play something -between a march and a reel, and immediately -each boy signals out the girl that -matches his rose. If more than one match, -he asks the girl he prefers. Then, all keeping -time to the music, they walk through -the first arch or doorway, and so on to the -second, thus in rotation going through all. -The couples should keep about two feet -back of each other.</p> - -<p>When all have passed through the last -arch, they join hands, thus forming a circle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -and commencing with the first couple, enter -the ring two by two. Two only being in at -a time, when they come out, the two that -followed them in the march enter, and so -on. When in the circle the boy should ask -the girl, “Which rose are you?” She answers, -“Tell me, and I’ll tell you.” Very -often his answer will be, “I don’t know,” -though once in a while he will make a perfect -guess. When his answer is right, he -asks the girl the language of her rose; but -if he has made a mistake, he is obliged to -leave the girl in the ring, and stand under -one of the arches. If the girl cannot answer -his question, she must stand under an arch. -If the boy leaves the ring before inquiring -the rose’s language, those forming the ring -put the same question, and if the girl does -not properly reply, she has to pay the same -penalty as when not replying to the boy.</p> - -<p>When both questions are answered correctly, -the boy and girl again join the hands -of the others forming the circle. When -each couple has been in and left the ring the -game is concluded.</p> - -<p>Among the rosebuds and their meaning -are: White rose-bud, girlhood; red rose-bud, -loveliness; white and red together, -unity.</p> - - -<h4><i>Memory.</i></h4> - -<p>Put a small table behind a screen. On -this table place thirty different articles, including<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -pulverized spices, small bottles of -liquid, books, etc. Each player is allowed -ten seconds in which to familiarize himself -or herself with the things on the table. -Then each person writes a list of the things, -titles of books, etc., from memory. The -boy and girl whose lists are nearest perfection -receive valentines as prizes.</p> - - -<h4><i>Love Box.</i></h4> - -<p>Present a pink silk bag to each of the -young ladies, and ask them to take out what -they first touch. Each will then draw a -small pink box, inside of which will be her -fortune written on ordinary sized note paper.</p> - -<p>When the young ladies have finished -drawing, pass a red silk bag, filled with red -boxes of a similar size, to the young men. -Each paper in the pink boxes should be -numbered one, two, etc. and the same with -the red. The following are the examples of -the fortunes.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Whereso’er I am, below or else above you,</div> -<div class="verse">Whereso’er you are, my heart shall truly love you.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 6em;">My name is John.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">You will married be</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">At the age of thirty-eight,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or else I’ve made a mistake,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the date is far too late.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now you must guess my name</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or this fortune’s very tame.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> - -<p>Or ask questions, to be followed with appropriate -answers.</p> - -<p>“Shall I marry Sue?”</p> - -<p>“There’s a rival in the case. A very rich -and stupid fellow.”</p> - - -<h4><i>The Prophetic Rose.</i></h4> - -<p>In an archway hang a huge rose made of -tissue-paper of a deep red color, the petals -being dark at the centre. The players are -told that the darker petals belong to the -boys, and the girls should visit the rose first. -Each girl in turn should step toward the -rose, and break off a petal. On the reverse -side she may read her fortune; for delicately -pasted to the rose petal will be a white one, -and on this the girls fortune will be written. -Everybody reads their fortune aloud, for -all are as interested to learn the future of -their friends as their own. When the girls -finish, the boys follow in a similar way. -Some of the fortunes might be:</p> - -<p>“Thou drawest a perfect lot.”</p> - -<p>“You will be wondrous happy.”</p> - -<p>“Mistress of the Manse.”</p> - -<p>“A curate—never slack in duty.”</p> - - -<h4><i>Make a Valentine.</i></h4> - -<p>This will create much merriment and -prove equally suitable for grown-ups or -boys and girls.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> - -<p>Before the guests arrive, have ready even-sized -pieces of water-color paper. The -hostess should distribute these and explain -just what should be done. Have water-color -paints, brushes, etc., conveniently near -every one, also a few well-sharpened lead-pencils -might not prove amiss. Either have -the people seated at one long table or at -several small ones, as would be convenient. -Ring a bell when it is time to commence. -In thirty minutes ring again, when all must -stop.</p> - -<p>As the designs should be original, no one -must look over his neighbor’s shoulder. -The fact that some would not know how to -paint would have nothing to do with it, as -the entertainment is only a bit of fun and -every one should do his part. Valentines -allow of such diversity in decoration, from -the extreme of the grotesque to the æsthetic -and beautiful, that every one should be glad -to try. Remember, a line of prose or verse -would be an added compliment. For instance,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Prithee tell me, Dimple chin,</div> -<div class="verse">At what age does love begin?</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">might be written under the dainty portrait -of some winsome wee thing; or,</p> - -<div class="center">My love is like a red, red rose,</div> - -<p class="unindent">might be added to the picture of a flaming -red cabbage rose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p> - -<p>When the valentines are finished they -should be numbered, each painter retaining -his number on a slip of paper. This done, -gather the valentines and submit them to the -judgment of three people to decide as to -their merit. The painter of the best valentine -should receive a prize.</p> - -<p>Then jumble together slips of paper on -which are written numbers corresponding -to the numbers of the valentines. Let each -guest draw a slip, and present him or her -with the corresponding valentine, which -may be retained as a souvenir.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Court of the King of Hearts.</i></h4> - -<p>Decide who will be king. He may get -his costume from a costumer’s or wear a -home-made robe of gold color, decorated -all over with hearts cut out of crimson velvet, -six inches long and in correct proportion. -He should wear a gold crown ornamented -with Rhine stones, and carry a -sceptre. There should be a throne, which -may be a large chair placed on a raised -platform. The throne and platform should -be covered with gold paper, sprinkled with -diamond dust.</p> - -<p>All the decorations should suggest St. -Valentine’s evening. Therefore, pink or rose -should be the color effect, and such devices -as Cupid’s arrows, hearts, valentines should -appear. Ask the young ladies to gown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -themselves to represent roses. Therefore -some would wear pink; others, white, etc. -The gowns might further suggest the scheme -by being trimmed with roses. The young -gentlemen should wear rose boutonnières.</p> - -<p>All the guests compose the court.</p> - -<p>The entertainment may be opened by -the minuet, danced by red and white roses, -after which the entire court enter, marching -two by two. As they march they sing in -honor of their king. When the first couple -reaches the throne, the leaders separate right -and left and turn facing each other. The -others do likewise, keeping the distance between -regular. Last of all comes the king -followed by two pages representing Cupids. -The king marches between the columns, -and finally reaches his throne. When there he -looks smilingly over his court, and then seats -himself. The pages stand to his right and left.</p> - -<p>Then the court, at a motion of the king’s -sceptre, waltz, after which the entire evening -is spent amusing the king. He likes songs, -and they become Singing Roses. He likes -recitations, and the roses recite. All the -songs and recitations must be of the heart. -Among the recitations may be “The Garden -of Love,” William Shakspeare; “The Day-Dream,” -Alfred Tennyson; “Telepathy,” -James Russell Lowell.</p> - -<p>At the close of a song the king rises, and -waving his wand, the company cease entertaining, -and the Cupids, leaving the throne,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> -walk side by side, and finally stop at a huge -blackboard. Then in colored crayons they -each draw a valentine. After which the -King of Hearts asks each one of the company -to do likewise. This affords much amusement, -as many of the valentines will be exceedingly -grotesque.</p> - -<p>When all have finished drawing, the Cupids -return to the throne, and the king signals -for a dance. And now a surprise. Eight -dancers appear in heart and valentine dominoes. -Each heart dances with a valentine, -and thus the king continues to be -amused. The first eight who have drawn -valentines quietly absent themselves, and -thus they are ready at the desired time. The -dominoes are made out of white cheese-cloth, -the valentines and hearts are basted -thickly over them.</p> - -<p>After the dance the king should rise and -thank the court for what has been done for -his entertainment, after which the recession -of the court should follow. The columns -leading to the throne must be again formed, -the king rises, and proceeds through the -lines followed by his pages, and then the -two nearest to the throne go next, and so on -until all disappear.</p> - - -<h3>WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT.</h3> - -<p>If the hostess is a girl, she should be costumed -as Lady Washington; if she has a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -brother, his dress should be a faithful copy -of General Washington’s. The mother of -the young people may take the character of -Mary Washington, mother of George. Ask -your friends to wear an appropriate costume -excepting that of the Washington household; -that family excluded, they are fancy free. -Decorate the house with flags and bunting; -also give an eagle prominent position. -For evergreens use holly, and whatever -flowers may be peculiar to the State of Virginia. -Suggest red, white, and blue in the -supper-room. Example: Cover the dining-table -with blue silk or bunting, and on it -stand cakes frosted with red and white icing, -mottoes in red and white papers, etc. Serve -strawberry and vanilla ice-cream in blue -dishes. Have all the confectionery red and -white in color, and served from a blue-covered -stand. Should you not have blue china -suitable for the confectionery, deftly cover -white china with blue crinkled paper, and -so preserve the colors.</p> - -<p>Open the evening with the flag dance. -This is any square dance you may please. -Immediately before it starts, present the -dancers with a tiny American flag, and -whenever a bow occurs, let the flags be -triumphantly whirled. They may be retained -as souvenirs. After the dance some -one previously selected should come into -the parlor. He must be entirely enveloped -in tricolor, which may be done by the use<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -of a large flag, and if necessary a smaller -one may cover the head. The question now -is to guess, Who is this distinguished visitor? -whether it is some one of the Revolutionary -period or of the present, of our own -country, or of another. When the domino -is removed, across his chest will be his name. -It is George the Third, who did not feel very -comfortable at the time of the signing of the -Declaration of Independence. He should -wear a crown, which is easily made from -pasteboard, cover it with gold paper, and -for precious stones glue on rounded buttons -covered to suit whichever gem you may -please-jasper, sapphire, diamonds, or what -not. Whoever makes a correct guess should -receive a gift suggestive of the occasion. A -book about a Revolutionary hero would do, -or any article of jewelry, suggestive of -Washington’s time. There are stickpins -which may be used for scarfs also, that -have the flag in colored enamel. After this, -another dance would be in place, and follow -that with games and patriotic songs.</p> - -<p>“The Star-Spangled Banner,” in march -time, would be appropriate to use as the -march to supper.</p> - - -<h3>APRIL FOOL GAMES AND TRICKS.</h3> - -<p>It is always a question whether these -games should or should not be played.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -Therefore I offer them with this preface as -also a few words of advice. Be good natured -and do not take offence over other people’s -amusement at your expense.</p> - -<p>Never play a practical joke.</p> - -<p>Example, Mr. M—— died last night.</p> - -<p>Mr. M—— was an intimate friend of a -party present, and as the word pronounced -dyed is capable of two different meanings, -one of the guests interpreted it in its saddest -sense, and immediately fainted. Wholesome -fun promotes laughter and good-fellowship; -indulge in it all you will, and so -help your little world to be the merrier.</p> - -<p>On a pure white tidy write in distinct -letters upside down, the words, “April -Fool,” and get some boy to lean back against -them. When he walks about the room afterwards, -his black jacket is decorated.</p> - -<p>If you have an old cane-bottom chair, -cut the seat out, but not too close to the -frame. Fit this nicely in and offer the seat -to any of the larger boys or girls. Instantly -this individual finds himself slipping down, -but is more frightened than hurt.</p> - -<p>Upholster a long low box to represent a -divan. The top should consist of neatly -tacked down stiff brown paper, and over -this throw a long thin rug. Suggest to two -or three of your liveliest friends that they sit -together on this divan. In a few moments -the room will resound with shrieks of laughter, -for they will be seated on the floor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> - -<p>Give a florist’s box temptingly covered -with tissue paper and tied up with gold cord -to one of the guests. He will unfasten the -cord, take off the paper, and lift the cover -only to find <i>nothing</i> within.</p> - -<p>Should your mother or sister be expecting -a new spring bonnet, beguile the milliner -into letting you have one of her nicest hat -boxes, into which you should put your three -years’ old Derby, and then watch the result.</p> - -<p>A questionable joke would be to send a -party invitation to your old friend, inviting -him to an equally old friend’s house, and -wait around to see him enter.</p> - -<p>Tell John or Mary there is an oat for them -at Mr. Blank’s. They thinking you have said -“a note” immediately go to get it, and fully -comprehend your meaning when they are -handed a tiny package of tissue paper which -serves as a covering to one oat and the words -“April Fool.”</p> - -<p>Arrange portières so they may be drawn -on either side of a long mirror, as window -curtains are drawn from the centre of a -window. Before this make an effective -group of a number of boys and girls. The -rear ones should stand, the ones immediately -in front should be seated on the floor. -Above them should be written on a mirror -these words, “April Fools.” When every one -is in place, a boy standing on the left and -right of the mirror should draw the portières.</p> - -<p>A part of the refreshments for such an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -evening should be cakes frosted with salt -and others stuffed with cotton, oranges filled -with sawdust, tiny blocks of wood and -small balls of cotton, covered with chocolate, -so simulating chocolate caramels and creams. -Have also motto papers deftly covering little -pebbles, and iced coffee, which will be found -to be the most acid of iced vinegar. But do -not let your refreshments end with such a -menu, or good nature even with the jolliest -would cease to be a virtue; when a little -fun is gotten, serve a delicious supper.</p> - - -<h3>EASTER FROLICS.</h3> - -<p>The time for Easter amusement is during -the week which follows Easter Day, and it -would be a pretty idea at such a season to -give a short tableau entertainment in connection -with music and games, the tableaux -indicating the superstitions of various countries.</p> - -<p>When the tableau is shown, announce -what it is intended to represent; for example, -in Russia the Easter festival might -almost be termed the “kissing festival,” for -beginning with the Emperor, who on Easter -Day kisses various generals and even privates -in his army, the singular contagion spreads -throughout the empire, apparently affecting -both aristocrat and plebeian.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau.</i>—A boy representing the Russian -Emperor kissing a member of the army.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the olden days of France it was the -custom for a Christian to give a Jew an -Easter box.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau.</i>—Two boys, one representing the -Christian; the other, the Jew. The Christian -must be in the act of boxing the Jew’s -ear.</p> - -<p>Follow this with the France of to-day.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau.</i>—An interior of a church, extravagantly -trimmed with flowers, and brilliant -with lighted candles. It should be crowded -with boys and girls, mothers and fathers, all -in brand-new clothes.</p> - -<p>Show Spain as a dark-haired girl, with a -mantilla over her head, kneeling in a church -before a mammoth candle—the Paschal candle, -nine feet long. In order to make it -seem taller, stand it on a marble pedestal.</p> - -<p>Rome, with a procession of gayly attired -children, and a boy representing the Pope, -in the most elegant of robes, carried in a -crimson chair, over which is a canopy. -This chair must be preceded by two boys, -each carrying white ostrich-feather fans.</p> - -<p>Germany, with a group of dancing girls -and boys, the girls wearing small, close-fitting -white caps, full white aprons over dark -gold-braided skirts and white sleeves; the -boys with knee-breeches, white stockings, -showy vests and gold buttons. Or show a -hare running from a nest filled with colored -eggs, before which two little children kneel. -The nest should be placed under a bush, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -one of the children should wear a laughing -face, for she holds up an egg.</p> - -<p>England, with a crowd of boys and girls -returning from Hampton Court, Kew Gardens, -or Stoke Pogis with their arms literally -filled with willow-boughs and branches of -blossoms—yellow, pink, and white—with -which they will decorate the church for -Easter Sunday.</p> - -<p>Switzerland, with a band of musicians -carrying guitars, and going from house to -house singing some sweet carol, their hats -and caps wreathed with flowers.</p> - -<p>A very pretty way to amuse children of -all ages is to hide eggs in the grass or under -bushes, and then have an egg-hunt. All -eggs found may, of course, be carried home. -Give five minutes for the hunt, and it will -prove great sport for lookers-on also.</p> - -<p>For another game, raise a tent decorated -with flags, cheese-cloth streamers, or ribbons. -Opposite the tent in which the guests -are to be seated, and ten feet distant, is a -post or tree on which to put a prize. At -the base of the post put a basket of thin -china eggs or glass balls, and also one at -the tent door, only fill this basket with excelsior. -The game is to find the person that -will throw the largest number of eggs from -one of the baskets into the other and not -break them. Whoever wins is rewarded by -the prize.</p> - -<p>For little children, form a ring, and pitch<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -to the centre of the ring a hard-boiled egg, -and let them scramble for it. For larger -children, let them pair off, a boy and a girl; -thus alternating, they form a ring. Then -start thirteen china or glass eggs, one after -the other, from hand to hand, taking the -egg in the right hand, passing it to the left, -and so on round the ring. If an egg drops, -it must stay where it falls until the other -eggs have gone around the ring three times. -It may chance by that time that all the eggs -have dropped. When the third time around -is complete, immediately a grand chain is -formed, and the children dance, and go back -to position, picking up the eggs as they -dance. If the egg is not picked up, keeping -time to the music which is being played -throughout the game, that person cannot -retain it, but must give it to the one following. -Sometimes no eggs fall, then the game -is kept up until all the eggs have passed -rapidly around three times. But when -dropped and picked up, they must then go -around once, and after this final circuit the -game is concluded.</p> - -<p>Boil a dozen or more eggs in logwood of -different strengths of dye; they will then be -colored violet or purple. Give these eggs, -with a large pin or pen-knife, to young people -to decorate. Offer a prize for the best -decorations within fifteen minutes.</p> - -<p>Still another game is to knock eggs. Hold -an egg so that the small end is shown between<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -the forefinger and the thumb. Sit or -stand opposite to the person with whom you -are playing. Then knock each other’s eggs. -The knock should be swift and hard, and -whoever’s egg is the first to crack must -now be given to the opponent. When -starting, each should have an equal number. -Whoever has the most eggs after playing -ten minutes has won.</p> - - -<h4><i>Finding the Hare.</i></h4> - -<p>The hare is nothing more nor less than a -box made in exact copy of a hare, about -six inches long. When opened it shall be -found full of rose-colored and rose-flavored -confectionery.</p> - -<p>The company are told that a hare is hidden -and whoever finds it is the owner. It -is a bewitching sight to see the merry hunt -and great sport for those engaged.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Parlor Egg Hunt.</i></h4> - -<p>Buy confectioners’ eggs, which come in all -sizes, from the ostrich size to a humming -bird’s, made of chocolate or icing, and -trimmed with flowers or tiny ribbons. -Hide the small eggs, and state in which -rooms they are hidden. Allow five minutes -for the hunt, each striving to find the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -most. Ring a bell to start and end the -game.</p> - - -<h4><i>Ostrich Egg Search.</i></h4> - -<p>This is played exactly like the thimble -game. Put a confectioner’s ostrich egg in -full sight, and at a signal every one begins -to look for it. When it is seen, the finder -signifies the fact by sitting down, and this -continues until all are either seated or give -up. The hostess inquires of the first one -who sat down where the egg is, and the -answer is given in a whisper. If correct, -it may be retained as a favor, if not, the egg -must be drawn for.</p> - -<p>The hiding must be cleverly managed, so -that while the egg is in sight, it is, however, -in an unexpected spot, and where it cannot -be handled. Then, too, there should be a -bogus egg, made from tissue paper, closely -resembling the confectioners egg. Many -will mistake the egg.</p> - - -<h4><i>Basket Eggs.</i></h4> - -<p>Put two baskets at the end of a room, each -basket lined with wadding, and containing -a dozen of eggs. Opposite these baskets -on the other side of the room, have two -empty ones lined in a similar manner. Two -persons step forward, and at the ringing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -of a bell start to put the dozen of -eggs, without cracking, into the empty -basket, the one who succeeds first being -victor.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Game of Cluck.</i></h4> - -<p>Perhaps this is the jolliest game of all, and -it is essentially for boys. Whoever gives -the party should ask each of his friends to -bring a chicken—a real live chicken—and if -he is sure he would not recognize her when -with a barnyard of others, he must tie a -ribbon around her neck; he must also bring -some hard-boiled eggs. The court used -should be surrounded with a high netting, -and the centre of the court marked with a -cross.</p> - -<p>At a signal all the players, each with his -fowl in his arms, must enter the court, and -the host, going to the centre, now becomes -auctioneer, and taking each offered fowl in -turn, he loudly calls, “How many eggs am -I bid for this chicken?”—two eggs, three, or -whatever the number may be; no one must -bid what he cannot pay, and the chicken is -given to the boy offering the largest number, -and the eggs are given to the previous owner -of the chicken. He may put them wherever -he pleases, only they must be somewhere -within the netting.</p> - -<p>The sale being over, the “cluck” commences, -for it is now each one’s aim to recover<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -his chicken, which can only be done -by finding the requisite number of eggs -given for her. This is much easier said than -done, for the boys will have hidden them -in their pockets and other peculiar places. -Meanwhile the chickens, running in every -direction, are very apt to “cluck” loudly.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Bird’s Nest.</i></h4> - -<p>Put a bird’s nest in a room; hunt for it as -you “Hunt the slipper,” only, instead of saying -“warm, warmer,” and so on, you cluck, -cluck, cluck soft or loud as the party goes -towards or from the nest. Only one person -hunts at a time; everybody else clucks.</p> - - -<h3>MAY-DAY FESTIVITY.</h3> - -<p>A May-Queen party is conducted in a -variety of ways. Very simply you may -say: “I am arranging for a Maying party; -will you come? I shall be so glad to have -you.” And without further form than the -above invitation, only mentioning the time, -place of meeting, luncheon, etc., everything -for a day’s outdoor frolic is adjusted.</p> - -<p>But the correct fashion is vastly different. -The invitation is of the same character as -that given for any other party. The paper -on which the invitation is engraved should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -be decorated. The decoration should be -suggestive of the occasion—a trimmed May-pole, -a throne for the Queen, or the Queen -herself. Also, in the left-hand corner of the -invitation, state the time when the tally-ho -or carriages will start: they start from the -house of the giver of the party. A good -hour is ten o’clock, and the guests should -be there ten minutes earlier.</p> - -<p>All Maying parties should be in charge of -a chaperone, not only for Madame Grundy’s -sake, who would do a great deal of talking, -but because there is then some one older -than yourself to consult with in case of -need, as also some one to superintend those -who would arrange the refreshment table. -And as this party must</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 4em;">fall upon a day</span></div> -<div class="verse">In the merry month of May.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">everybody should wear holiday attire, as,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">In the days when we went gypsying,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">A long time ago,</span></div> -<div class="verse">The lads and lassies in their best</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Were dressed from top to toe.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>In France this day was dedicated to the -Virgin, and the most popular girl was called -the “Lady of the May.” She was always -crowned and adorned with flowers, and sat -in state on a miniature throne made of flowers -and branches, while her maids of honor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -begged for money from all who passed that -way, to be spent on the religious feast held -later.</p> - -<p>And our May-Queen can have her white -frock too, as dainty and pretty as that of -any Parisian maiden, if she will only wear -warm flannels underneath it. Remember, -that though May days are oftentimes warm -and sunny even to uncomfortableness, their -temperature cannot be depended upon.</p> - -<p>The May-Queen should be arranged for -by the giver of the party, and also her six -maids of honor. The Queen only wears -white. The maids should wear frocks of -different hue, and each represent a woodland -flower or fern. For example, rose -pink garlanded with pink rose-buds and -roses; baby-blue and forget-me-nots; pale -violet and violets; cowslip yellow and -cowslips; Nile-green and maidenhair-fern, -etc. The guests should wear flowers, and -may or may not represent flowers, as they -choose. Only they must wear gay attire. -The boys might dress as gentlemen of the -court, adopting the fashion of princes, lords, -pages; and do not forget the fool, with his -cap and bells, to amuse the Queen. Or all -may wear grotesque apparel—it is go-as-you-please -fashion—only if the grotesque is -decided upon, all should adopt it; the Queen -could personate Maid Marian, with gilt -crown on her head, and one of the boys -assume the character of Robin Hood.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>It would be a delight could all of these -occasions have a May-pole, wound about -with gay color, and long ribbon streamers -firmly fastened at the top, which during the -dances should be braided and unbraided -again and again. It requires a tall straight -tree, which should be firmly set in the -ground, after the order of a flag-staff. The -tallest May-pole ever set up in England -was on the Strand, London, and was one -hundred and thirty-four feet high. A pole -twelve feet from the ground, however, will -give just as much pleasure at the ordinary -May-Queen party. Around it join hands, -and sing any familiar English ballads, or -songs from the opera of <i>Robin Hood</i>. It -might be well to have a rehearsal of two or -three songs beforehand, if you should be -particular about your music at the time of -the party. As for dances, they should be -intermingled with the songs, waltzes, mazourkas, -schottisches—any dance that you -may know. Besides this, play one and -another ring game, even if you are ever -such big boys and girls. Always remember -to pay homage to your Queen, being sure -that she is leading.</p> - -<p>Whoever gives the party is of course -responsible for refreshments, which are usually -served picnic fashion on long tables -in the woods, near to the place where the -games are played. The provisions should -be carried in a separate wagon, and be kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -out of sight until it is time for lunch. The -tables may be made very attractive by -means of mosses, wild flowers, and grasses. -One such table was of exquisite beauty, its -only adornment being ferns. A border of -them was pinned or basted all around the -cloth, made higher at the corners. A large -cut-glass bowl stood in the centre of the -table, filled with maiden-hair, and two tall -slender vases, one shorter than the other -and filled with fine ferns and vines stood -at irregular distances. When the refreshments -are ready, the hostess must escort -the Queen, and lead her to the position of -honor. Next to follow should be the maids -of honor, and the rest as they will. In -every instance the Queen must be served -first; indeed, she should be shown every -consideration.</p> - -<p>The Queen’s throne should be erected -near the May-pole. It is generally made in a -sort of bower of bushes. Sometimes a large -stone has to form the seat; cover this with -flowers, so that your Queen is really sitting -in a floral chair. Make her crown before -leaving home; it can be cut out of pasteboard, -and covered with gilt paper, and -when you get to the fields twine flowers -around it; or you may assimilate a crown -with a wreath of wild flowers. In either -case present it to her with great formality. -Having led her near the throne, two of the -boys should stand on either side of her, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -suspend the crown between them, immediately -above her head. While they are -in this position, the hostess must step towards -the Queen and say, “In the name of -this court, we crown you Queen of May.” -The boy standing at her right then leads -her to the throne; when she is seated, the -other boy presents her sceptre, and her entire -court sing a chorus previously decided.</p> - -<p>The girls might all carry wooden hoops, -and having wound flowers around them, take -them to some poor child or sick mother or -sister on their return home, and so have the -pleasantest sort of an ending to the May-Queen -party. In our joy and gladness -under the cloudless sky, on a moss-covered -walk, with violets and other wild flowers -at our feet, we should not forget the many -more to whom such a party would seem -almost as a day in Paradise.</p> - - -<h3>FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.</h3> - -<p>Every boy, to properly celebrate Independence -Day, should be well stocked with torpedoes, -large and small, fire-crackers, cannon, -and gunpowder. He should know that -the starry flag flutters from his home, and -that the red, white, and blue is a part of his -attire.</p> - -<p>Early in the day a battalion of patriotic -boys should march and countermarch up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -and down the principal streets, while all -the while martial music is heard, and the -shrill bugle call answers the exultant drum -beat. A banner should lead such a procession, -and the Star-spangled Banner should -triumphantly wave throughout the entire -line.</p> - -<p>Jolly fun may be had in the after part of -the day, by setting an old barn on fire.</p> - -<p>Very often the boys’ fathers or uncles own -a barn that they would rather have out of the -way than not, and the Fourth of July is the -most appropriate time in the entire year -for a conflagration. When a barn is to be -fired, be sure that it is carefully prepared beforehand, -with a coating of tar and long -wisps of tarred paper, and the boys cannot -be too cautious not to get on fire themselves.</p> - -<p>Should boys not be successful in finding -a barn to burn up, perhaps they could find -a dead tree on a friend’s vacant lot. A tree -would make a perfect tower of flame, and -could be seen for miles around. It, too, will -blaze all the fiercer if you apply a coating of -pitch. Those engaged in this sport should -wear their oldest clothing, in order not to -make themselves a nuisance to their mothers -and sisters or thoughtlessly waste their -fathers’ money.</p> - -<p>Perhaps some of the boys would like a -receipt for a powerful noise. It is simple -enough—nothing but chlorate of potash and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -sulphur mixed; you should put several -pieces of paper around it, though, and hammer -it down as heavy as you can.</p> - - -<h3>HALLOWE’EN GAMES AND TRICKS.</h3> - - -<h4><i>The Nut Trick.</i></h4> - -<p>The shell must be prepared before the -performance. Remove the kernel by boring -a hole, or opening the nut at one end. Take -out the contents by the aid of a lady’s hat-pin, -and instead of the kernel, slip in a short -piece of scarlet-colored baby-width ribbon. -Then putty or wax the opening over, and -color the putty or wax with a dye, crayon, -or paint, the exact shade of the nut. -The nut being thus prepared, you may now -lay it on the table before your friends, and -present a bunch of many-colored ribbons of -the same width and length to them. Ask -that some one select any piece he chooses; -you must have a don’t-care air, as though it -didn’t make any difference to you which -piece was chosen. While, on the contrary, -you care so much, that should a wrong selection -be made you must at once tell an -interesting story, which will help your -friends to forget that the ribbon has already -been selected, and you should make use of -this opportunity to offer the ribbons over -again. This time the selection will likely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> -be correct. It would be wise to have the -majority of pieces of ribbon the color of the -piece in the nut, as that color would catch -the eye first and stand a better chance of -being taken.</p> - -<p>The right ribbon now being chosen, make -a great point of looking at it; hold it up at -arm’s length, so that all the audience may -see it. Then ask the party who made the -selection to put it back in the bunch with -the others and mix them all up to please -himself. When he has finished, face the -bunch of ribbons, and loudly repeat, three -times over, “Ribbon, go into the nut.” -Then ask your friend to go forward and -take the little hammer which he will find on -the table and crack the nut open. When -the nut is opened, sure enough inside is a -scarlet ribbon.</p> - - -<h4><i>Burn a Lady’s Handkerchief, but Return it Whole -Again.</i></h4> - -<p>This requires a tin cylinder about eight -inches in diameter and twelve inches in -height. Into this put a perfectly fitting tin -vessel, which is divided strictly in half. -When this vessel is slid inside of the cylinder -the whole does not look unlike a canister -with a cover at each end. Having the -handkerchief, hold it so that everybody sees -it, and talk fluently, keeping the body constantly -in motion; indeed, making so many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -motions that no one has noticed that you -have packed this handkerchief in the upper -division of the tin vessel, and that, as you -are walking towards the candle, you have -turned the cylinder upside down, and that -also the handkerchief you are now holding -is really not a handkerchief at all, but a thin -piece of muslin you have prepared to simulate -a handkerchief. Pour on it a few drops -of alcohol, which will help it to burn even -more rapidly; tear it, if you think it more -effective. When the owner thinks that her -handkerchief is forever destroyed, cleverly -manage to invert the cylinder, take out the -handkerchief, shake it well, holding it so -that all the audience sees that it is not even -scorched, and then return it to the lady.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Bowl Trick.</i></h4> - -<p>Fill a tiny tumbler with water and cover -it with a bowl. Then state you will drink -the water in the tumbler underneath without -moving the bowl.</p> - -<p>Of course the company do not believe you, -and you ask all to turn their backs, or close -their eyes, if they will promise not to look, -until one of the party counts ten. Immediately -they have turned their backs, or closed -their eyes, you pick up another glass of -water and hastily swallow a few mouthfuls. -They hear the sound, but no one can look<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -until ten is counted. By that time the glass -from which you drank is hidden again, and -the company catch you wiping your moist -lips. Undoubtedly one of the number will -be so suspicious that he will lift the bowl to -see, and then is your opportunity, for you -at once pick up the glass and drink, saying, -as you put it down, “<i>I</i> didn’t touch the -bowl.”</p> - - -<h4><i>An Impossible Jump.</i></h4> - -<p>Take a gentleman’s hat, and, turning it -around so that every one sees it, ask your -friends whether, if you put it on the floor, -they could jump over it. Of course they -will answer, “Yes.” Then stand it close -to the wall, and tell them not to all try at -once, but take their turn to jump.</p> - - -<h4><i>Turn a Goblet Upside Down Without Spilling the -Water.</i></h4> - -<p>Fill a glass goblet so as not to allow any -water to drop over the edge. Cover the top -with a piece of paper; on the paper put your -hand, and turn the goblet rapidly over; then -remove the hand. The upward pressure of -the air will prevent the water from spilling.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Hat Omelet.</i></h4> - -<p>Everybody who enjoys tricks is no doubt -familiar with this. It is very easy to do.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p>First state that you are about to make an -omelet. Then break three eggs into the -hat, and appear to add a little milk and -flour, after which shake all together and hold -the hat over a lighted lamp, candle, or gas. -After a few moments lift out the hot flaky -omelet and pass it to your friends; otherwise -they will think they have been deceived.</p> - -<p>The secret is, the omelet was cooked on -the range, and was in the hat when you -commenced to exhibit the trick, the hat being -held too high for the audience to see -inside. The eggs were not full, only the -shells, the contents having been previously -drawn through a tiny aperture at one end. -Laugh and talk a great deal and it will not -be noticed that you do not put in the cornstarch -and milk; also let a real egg drop, -as if by accident, on a plate standing on the -table before you, or let a tablespoon or -knife fall. This will attract all eyes and -further prevent discovery. As in other -tricks, you should practise it before showing -it to your friends.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Wonderful Carafe.</i></h4> - -<p>An empty carafe is brought by your confederate. -This you should rinse and drain -in the presence of your audience, in order to -satisfy them that there is really no mistake, -that the carafe is positively empty. After it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> -has well drained, dry it, wiping it around -with the greatest care. In the towel which -your confederate brought you he also -brought a bladder, in which was a weak -preparation made up of spirits of wine, -sugar, and water. In this way the carafe is -filled without the audience detecting. The -glasses are already in position, and in each -one has been put a drop or two of flavoring -extract, such as pineapple, lemonade, -orange, peppermint. The magician then -inquires if any one would like a glass of -lemonade, and being answered in the affirmative, -he pours the same from the carafe -by filling the glass in which the drops of -lemonade extract have been placed. In like -manner he will give a glass of orangeade, or -whatever drink corresponds to the extract in -the glasses.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Vanishing Ten-cent Piece.</i></h4> - -<p>Put this coin in the palm of your hand and -take pains to let everybody see it. Then -state that if any one of the audience will -call out, “Vanish,” it will disappear.</p> - -<p>The reason why is because the nail of -your middle finger is covered with white -wax, and closing the hand forcibly the coin -instantly fastens itself to it. You must then -open the hand wide and show that the ten-cent -piece has really gone.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - -<p>The tricks now being over, the audience -rose to congratulate their young entertainers -and also to exchange a few words with one -another, and in so doing many of them did -not discover that refreshments were about -to be served until they were asked to take -seats at the small tables that had most mysteriously -appeared.</p> - -<p>The refreshments were very simple, being -only vanilla and strawberry rolled wafers -and delicious tea. The tea was, of course, -poured into the prettiest of Japanese cups, -and carried on richly decorated trays, on -which were laid divers colored Japanese -napkins, while the graceful, cordial, Japanese-robed -young girls added an indescribable -charm.</p> - -<p>And thus closed this dainty, interesting -entertainment amid the pleasant chatter of -the happily seated, congenial company.</p> - - -<h4><i>Blindfolded Prophecy.</i></h4> - -<p>Should you be in the country on All Hallowe’en, -one of the party should be blindfolded -and sent into the kitchen garden, of -course using every security against accident. -The person sent must pull up a vegetable, -and without shaking off the dirt from the -roots, bring it back with him. Should it -have a great quantity of mould hanging to -its roots, that is a sure sign whoever has it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -will make a wealthy marriage. If, on the -contrary, there is but little mould, he will -make a poor marriage. If the vegetable is -tall and well shapen, this proves he will -marry a tall, beautiful girl. If, however, the -vegetable is short and crooked, he will -marry a short and homely girl. If a vegetable -is brought in without any roots, the -person bringing it will be a bachelor or old -maid.</p> - -<p>Care should be taken in the playing of -this game to prevent the house and clothing -from getting dirty; therefore be watchful -and hold the vegetable you bring at arm’s -length.</p> - -<p>The best place to decide the vegetable’s -shape, mould, etc., would be in the kitchen, -or on the piazza. If the latter is enclosed, -lamps could be carried out there, if not, -possibly the light from the windows and -hall way would be sufficient; or try a lantern.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Divining Mirror.</i></h4> - -<p>Hold an unpeeled apple in the right hand -and a lighted candle in the left, while you -stand in an empty, unlighted room before a -mirror.</p> - -<p>Then you must eat the apple and watch -sharp, for you are to see your future husband’s -or wife’s face in the mirror. The -face will appear over your left shoulder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - -<p>This game is also part trick, as fairy folk -are apt to be famous tricksters and therefore -not very trustworthy, especially if it is after -dark.</p> - -<p>One of the boys will likely have stolen -back of you, disguised with a false face. -He has reached you on his hands and -knees, and when all of a sudden he rises, -you will be so startled that it will be an -easy matter for him to escape without detection. -Or a girl could do the same as a -boy.</p> - -<p>In order to more fully cover one’s tracks, -it would be well for the tricking player to -blow out the candle as he appears over the -shoulder. This, too, will partly conceal the -features, for puckered lips and eyes fixed -steadily on the flame will not look natural.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Tumbler Test.</i></h4> - -<p>Fill three tumblers with water. One must -hold blue water, such as the laundress uses -for clothes, another must hold soapy water, -and another clear water, while still another -must be empty. These tumblers should stand -on a table directly before the individual who -is to be blindfolded. After he is blindfolded, -change the position of the glasses, placing one -where the other one stood, and so on. Then -instruct the party to dip his fingers into one -of the tumblers. Having felt around, his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -fingers are dipped into the clear water, and -thus he learns that he is to marry a beautiful -rich girl. Had he dipped into the soapy -water, it would have meant that he would -marry a poor widow; if in the blue water, -he would be a noted author; if in the empty -glass, he would die a bachelor. This game -is played in the same way with the girls, -only, of course, changing the sex, as, -for example, marrying a rich, handsome -man.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Penknife Trick.</i></h4> - -<p>Before leaving the room state that while -you are away any one may place a pen-knife -where he may please, and without any -word being spoken you will find it.</p> - -<p>Of course you have a confederate, who -remains behind and notices where the knife -has been put.</p> - -<p>When you enter, walk towards one of the -corners in the room; if your confederate is -looking up, you will know you are in the -right corner, but if he is looking down you -must try another. If you notice he is not -looking up when you have tried all the -corners, then walk towards the centre of the -room, and between the corners; at one of -these points he will raise his eyes. In this -way, you will get the location. You must -then diligently search, and when your confederate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -lets something drop on the floor you -will know you are <i>very close</i> to the penknife. -Sometimes it is in a person’s pocket; for that -reason watch just the moment when your -friend has given you the clue. Possibly your -hand may be on some one’s shoulder; this -would indicate to search that person.</p> - - -<h4><i>Ball Trick.</i></h4> - -<p>A girl must take a ball of rose-colored -worsted and toss it out in the garden as far -as she can. She must be careful, however, -not to lose hold of the end of the worsted. -Then she should walk up and down the -parlor or piazza, winding the worsted up; -as she walks she sings,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Who holds my thread? Who holds my clue?</div> -<div class="verse">For he loves me and I him too.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>All of a sudden, if the game is properly -played, the worsted will refuse to come. -If the worsted breaks in her exertion to -wind it, she will never marry; but she -should keep firm hold and wind slowly, and -in time will thus surely reach the person who -has caught the other end. This individual -is to be her future husband. Generally the -“husband” part is a trick, for some one -will hold the worsted that she would never -marry; for example, a boy many years her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> -junior, or her old grandfather, or brother. -This game being played for the same reason -as many another, “only for fun.”</p> - - -<h4><i>The Fortune Apple.</i></h4> - -<p>On several pieces of wood, thin as paper, -write, in ink or paint, girls’ names. Slip -each name into an apple. This set will do -for the boys; make similar ones for the -girls. Fill three portable tubs with water, -and set an even number of apples floating -in each tub. Fasten the arms of three boys -securely back, and cover them entirely with -water-proof cloaks. Lead each boy to a -tub and ask him to repeat distinctly,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Witches and wizards and birds of the air,</div> -<div class="verse">Goblins and brownies, all lend me your care,</div> -<div class="verse">Now to choose wisely for once and for all,</div> -<div class="verse">And ever your names in praise loudly I’ll call.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then each boy must put his head down -and try to catch in his teeth an apple. In -it he’ll find the name of one of the girls -present, and she will be his fate. If the -name is a strange one, there will even then -be teasing enough for him. After the boys -have all tried the game, then it is time for -the girls.</p> - -<p>Lead a girl up to a tub and blindfold her; -lead her around while she repeats the rhyme,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -and with the words “loudly I call,” she -must bend down and try to catch in one -hand an apple or, if she prefers, she may -try to spear an apple with a fork. If the -latter way, only one drop of the fork will -be allowed. If it sticks far enough in an -apple not to fall altogether, her fate is sure.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Money-Maker.</i></h4> - -<p>This is one of the large number of trick -games, and like all the others it is very easy -when you know how. It is played by two -people, both of whom understand the trick, -and it should be the effort of the company -to discover as soon as is possible what that -trick is. When the trick is discovered the -game is simple. To prove that you know -it, you should take the place of one of the -players. If the game then goes on satisfactorily -you are out, but the others remain -in until they either give up or learn the -secret also.</p> - -<p>The money-maker leaves the room and -on his return his confederate will ask him -questions. His answer will prove to the -company that he understands which business, -trade or profession they have decided -he must enter in order to make money.</p> - -<p>The secret is easy to discover if you are -on the alert; it is the first business named -after a question which has commenced with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -the letter O or which contains the exclamation -oh! Example:</p> - -<p>The company have decided that the -one who has left the room must be a publisher.</p> - -<p>“Will you be an organ grinder?”</p> - -<p>“No, I thank you.”</p> - -<p>“Will you be a physician?”</p> - -<p>“I would not like night work.”</p> - -<p>“How would you like farming?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I know! you’d like to be a tailor.”</p> - -<p>“But I know I wouldn’t.”</p> - -<p>“Well, will you be a publisher?”</p> - -<p>“Just the thing.”</p> - - -<h3>CHRISTMAS JOLLITY.</h3> - - -<h4><i>The Yule Log.</i></h4> - -<p>Young people should costume themselves -in grotesque apparel. They may be Twelfth -Night characters, Viola, Olivia, Sir Andrew -Aguecheek, Sir Toby, Sebastian, sea-captains, -lords, priests, officers, musicians, etc., -or assume any disguise indicative of -Christmas.</p> - -<p>Early in the evening, several of the company -should disappear, but with great -hilarity return, drawing in the Yule log. -This is nothing more or less than a rugged -log. Knotted at each end with long strong<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -ropes, by which it is pulled. As the young -people draw it they should sing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Welcome be ye that are here,</div> -<div class="verse">Welcome all and make good cheer;</div> -<div class="verse">Welcome all another year,</div> -<div class="verse">Welcome Yule.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>This verse should be sung over and over -until the Yule log lies on the hearthstone.</p> - - -<h4><i>Christmas Pie.</i></h4> - -<p>Two people, each wearing interesting costume, -and with masked faces, walk in, rolling -before them on a wheelbarrow an enormous -pie. It is made after the fashion of a -Jack Horner pie, being in a deep dish covered -with diamond-dusted white paper, with -tiny ribbons exposed.</p> - -<p>The first performance is to roll the pie all -around the room, and then to the centre, -where they will sing,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Who’ll have a bird from this Christmas pie?</div> -<div class="verse">Whoever guesses me may answer I.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>For a few minutes all the company keep -quite still, then the guessing commences; -when the correct names are mentioned, the -couple unmask, and at once the correct -guesser draws a ribbon. He will find on -the end of it a candy bird,—perhaps a robin<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -redbreast made of candy and stuffed with -sugarplums. As soon as the bird is drawn, -one of the parties who has rolled in the -wheelbarrow imitates a bird-song on a harmonica. -This is easily effected without discovery, -as everybody’s attention is directed -to what has been drawn.</p> - - -<h4><i>Tableaux Vivants.</i></h4> - -<p>A catchy tableau series would be Mother -Goose and her children celebrating Christmas.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau First.</i>—Mother Goose in her tall, -cone-shaped hat, riding on an enormous -goose. Copy her and all the other costumes -from Mother Goose’s book.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Second.</i>—Her children faithfully -charactered. Little Jack Horner should be -sitting in a corner, eating his Christmas pie. -The King in his parlor should be dressed to -represent a king. Simple Simon should -meet a pieman going to the fair, etc.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Third.</i>—A sleeping apartment, -Mother Goose and her family in bed. -Great prominence must be shown to Mother -Goose, whose bed is in front, and near -her some of her more notable children. -This scene may be readily arranged by putting -small cots on the stage; the children -can lie down dressed, the coverlets hiding -their clothing. Near each bed put that which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -would indicate their character, as example, -the big pie for the pieman.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Fourth.</i>—Santa Claus at home -about time to start. Interior of a room, -simply packed with all sorts of hobby-horses, -dolls—big and little, dressed and -undressed—musical birds, woolly sheep, -sleighs, drums, tenpins, everything in the -toy line that could be imagined or described; -while in a large easy-chair before the lighted -grate-fire sits old Santa himself, as gray-bearded, -fat, and jolly as ever.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Fifth.</i>—Little Bo-Peep fell fast -asleep and dreamed—</p> - -<p>Show Santa Claus again, this time out-of-doors, -on his sled drawn by swift reindeer; -but the reindeer have stopped, for Bo-Peep -stands before them, her shepherd’s crook -leaning over her shoulder, her sheep all -around, and they, as also Bo-Peep, gazing -at the presents—sled, Santa Claus’s pack, at -hat, beard, miniature tree, full stockings, and -all. Bo-Peep wears a regular shepherdess -costume, the sheep are toy sheep on wheels. -The bells should jingle loudly until Bo-Peep -appears.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Sixth.</i>—The Christmas tree.</p> - -<p>A large tree filled with toys; leaning -against it is a ladder, which Mother Goose -climbs, and then unfastens the various gifts. -Her children are all grouped around the -bottom, and impatiently await the arrival -of their presents.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Tableau Seventh.</i>—The Christmas dance.</p> - -<p>Mother Goose and her children dance -around the Christmas tree. Waltz music is -played; they dance once around, when the -curtain is drawn.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Eighth.</i>—Mother Goose’s children -eating their Christmas supper. A long table -covered with a white cloth, and decorated -with lighted candelabra, flowers, bonbons, -fancy cakes, china, silver, and cut glass. -All the children are seated around, Mother -Goose at the head, and to her right her son -Jack, then Jack’s wife, then a boy, then a girl, -and so on around. Each child is in the act of -eating, drinking, lifting a cup, a candy, or -indicating some natural movement at a supper -table; their heads should be turned as -though they were in conversation.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Ninth.</i>—Mother Goose and her -family in a well-arranged group now stand -and sing a jolly good-night song. This -song may be acted by those on the stage, -but the singing is done by an unseen chorus.</p> - -<p>Follow this with two tableaux, opposite -in meaning.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau One.</i>—The empty stocking. A -poverty-stricken looking room—bare floor, -a hard-wood chair and table (on the table -stand a few pieces of cheap china), a window -with a broken pane, in which a bunch -of paper or canton matting is stuffed to keep -out the snow; a small kerosene lamp, the -light from which comes dimly. A poorly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -clad and as poorly fed appearing little girl; -one of her thin hands rests on the table, -while the other holds an empty stocking, on -which the child sadly gazes.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Two.</i>—Bless you honey-bugs! -Yo’ feels gay.</p> - -<p>This also is a plainly furnished room, but -it is trimmed with Christmas greens, a large -star and tree being particularly conspicuous. -There are several colored children running -around, some dancing, with toys in one -hand and a full stocking in the other, others -taking things off a little tree, others again -eating sugarplums, or striding across the -bare floor in eager pursuit of a dropped -cornucopia or cinnamon cake. Their dusky-faced -mammies, meanwhile, laugh at them -through the half-open doorway.</p> - -<p>And thus tableau might be described after -tableau. But a few hints may be helpful.</p> - -<p>Carefully study scenic effect. “How -beautiful!” is so often the exclamation regarding -a well-dressed stage, even before -any person appears or one word is spoken. -Remember to use harmonizing colors, and -to throw on different-colored lights. The -latter may cost a little money, but it will -repay a hundredfold. A white light changing -to pink, again to yellow, rose or green, -as the scenery may require. In every way -catch the eye.</p> - -<p>Remember, the tableau is but for a minute; -let that minute be perfection.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>Sometimes, for example, let a fountain -play in the large grounds or garden. This -can be easily arranged by the proper management -of a hose. You can surely place -a piece of oilcloth under the moss over -which the water flows, and have sponges -conveniently near.</p> - -<p>Be careful to select pretty and noticeable -toilettes. If you are taking the character -of a queen at a drawing-room, dress as the -queen, not as her maid; but should you be -a maid, wear jaunty, gay attire, and do not -costume yourself in a severely cut brown-cloth -tailor suit.</p> - -<p>Use all the accessories possible—music, -song, recitation, as either may be given off -the stage as an accompaniment to a tableau. -Be sure there is no catch in the stage curtain, -and that the prompter understands all -his duties. Every one should be punctual -at rehearsals; and the night of the entertainment -all the cast should be ready thirty -minutes ahead of time, as that will prevent -worry and nervousness. And if everybody -is calm, and understands his part, there is -no question as to success.</p> - -<p>“The Birds’ Christmas Carol” would make -a pleasing tableau.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Annunciation.</i></h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">The angel greets the Virgin mild;</div> -<div class="verse">Hail, Mary, full of grace! thy child</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Son of God shall be.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p>This tableau represents an interior: the -room has a deep frieze drapery over the -mantel, before which Mary kneels on a low -cushion; to her left, and considerably before -her, is a large jardinière filled with ascension -lilies; and directly before her is a -table, on which is a roll of parchment partly -unfastened. By the table stands the angel -with hands outstretched towards her.</p> - -<p><i>Tableau Second.</i>—The shepherds see the -angels bright.</p> - -<p>Scene out of doors, with shepherds in their -usual costume, each shepherd holding a -crook, while back of them, huddled close together, -stand the herds of sheep. Before the -shepherds, and a trifle to their right, is the -angel, with outstretched hands, indicating -the way.</p> - - -<h3>BIRTHDAY IDEAS.</h3> - - -<h4><i>A Birthday Picnic.</i></h4> - -<p>A pleasant number is twenty. Ten girls -and ten boys.</p> - -<p>Be driven to the destination in large market -or hay wagons made festive with flags. -Each girl should bring luncheon enough for -herself and one of the boys. And the boys -should be responsible for the outfit for games, -such as ropes, archery, grace hoops, tennis -net, balls and racquets.</p> - -<p>If you are not going to a regular picnic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> -ground, you will require tables. Therefore -borrow five cutting tables from your mothers -and these can be folded and put in the bottom -of the wagon, and four persons can -easily sit at each. The boys can arrange -the seats, which might be the wagon seats -built to the requisite height by supporting -each end on a pile of stones, or convenient -rocks may be chosen, or take the rails from -the post-and-rail fence adjoining. Only in -that case, remember to put them back again.</p> - -<p>Use plated spoons, forks, etc., so as to save -worry, and Japanese napkins, which may -do double duty, as they make pretty tablecloths, -and there is no fuss about having to -carry them home. If you take sandwiches, -wrap them neatly in white tissue or waxed -paper. Use thin wooden platters instead -of china, and no one will be afraid of chipping -them; besides they are so light, and -after luncheon they, as also the napkins and -tablecloths, may be burned up, if you are -careful not to set the woods on fire.</p> - -<p>You might find it pleasant to put the -lunches, wraps, etc., in one wagon, and have -all the picnickers in the other. Trusty drivers -for both wagons will be necessary.</p> - -<p>After the lunch is over and cleared away, -games and races will be the order of the -day.</p> - -<p>But don’t forget you must be home by -sundown. When all have bundled into the -wagons to return, let song follow song.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -One of the big boys might act as director -of the chorus.</p> - - -<h4><i>A Birthday Floral Ball.</i></h4> - -<p>The entire house, including the halls, -should be trimmed with asparagus and Japanese -lanterns. From the drawing-room -ceilings suspend inverted cones of asparagus, -and as pendants from these fasten -Japanese lanterns. String evergreens around -the stair banisters and halls. Indeed, make -of your house, including the dining-room, a -sort of fairy bower, on which the Japanese -lanterns at happy intervals, cast light and -color.</p> - -<p>The orchestra should be hidden in a tiny -forest, and their music should be jolly, light -and pretty. Among the numbers have the -“Dance of the Flowers,” by Tschaikowsky. -Follow this with several flower dances. -Example, “The Sweet Peas Waltz.” The -girls’ costume should be white tarletan, -effectively trimmed with sweet peas. The -boys should have sweet pea boutonnières.</p> - -<p>The Pansy Cotillion. For this dance wear -crêpe lisse, tarletan,—indeed any flimsy -material you choose, but it must be of one -of the pansy colors; and as the pansy has -so many shades of brown, yellow, purple, -deep rose, etc., the variety which would -mingle, as the several figures are given, -would result in a kaleidoscopic effect of -color and beauty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - -<p>Perhaps a few solo dances could be arranged. -If so have a Cowslip dance, when -the little maiden should be frocked in pale -yellow, or the Heliotrope, with a frock of -lilacs. Another might dance the Forget-me-not, -and wear a gown of blue.</p> - -<p>While still another dance might be termed -the Water-Lily, which would necessitate a -frock of white and gold, as the blue and -pink water-lilies are comparatively rare. -Whichever flower is represented should be -worn, either on the hair or dress.</p> - -<p>Then should come the Wild Flower Minuet -when daisies, buttercups, clover, chicory, -violets, honeysuckle, and other wild flowers -could vie with each other in the stately -graceful movements. Follow the minuet -with the Butterfly promenade and dance. -In this a large number should engage, as it -is quite proper there should be butterflies -flitting from flower to flower. Any dance -may be appropriated to the butterflies, but -they should select their own partners from -any of the flowers they please. The butterflies -will wear almost as many colors as -the pansies, and silver, gold or other butterflies -should be fastened on the shoulders or -on other parts of their costume.</p> - - -<h4><i>A Birthday Matinée.</i></h4> - -<p>The afternoon may be made perfectly fascinating -by giving a birthday matinée. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -young lady should costume herself as Little -Buttercup of <i>Pinafore</i> fame. Wear a large -hat, grotesquely ornamented, short parti-colored -skirts, and above all things carry a -well-filled market basket. She should sing -Little Buttercup’s song, and also act and -dance. As the whole thing is a burlesque, -it need not be correctly done, only be sure -to get some graceful girl to take the part, -and one who will bring out the laughter by -her bits of humor here and there. If the -party is for children, the basket should contain -inexpensive toys, and when singing, -“I’ve ribbons and laces, to set off your -faces,” waltz up to a group of children and -distribute the toys. Continue this when -singing the chorus, as also during the playing -of the interludes, until each child has a -gift. Should the party be for older people, -instead of toys give suggestive presents. -Example, a whip to a horsewoman, or a tiny -pair of oars to a rower. The music is from -the opera <i>Pinafore</i> and can be purchased or -mailed from almost any bookstore. When -people are through laughing over this part of -the programme, tell them that confectioners’ -buttercups are hidden in the drawing-room, -library and hall; that they are in three colors,—violet, -white, and pink,—and that all -of the guests are expected to hunt for them; -that a bell will be rung as a signal to commence -the hunt, and in like manner to close -it; that five minutes time will be allowed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -Three prizes will be awarded; the first to -be given to the finder of the most pink -buttercups, the second to the one finding the -greatest number of buttercups adding all the -colors together, the third to the one finding -the fewest. Should any one be so unfortunate -as not to find any, his penalty will be to -pay a forfeit. If this individual is a musician, -his forfeit should be a song or an instrumental -solo, or should he be a recitationist, he -must read or recite, if neither of these, require -him to put himself through a key-hole. This -is done by writing the word “himself” on -a small piece of paper, rolling it over until -still smaller and slipping it through the key-hole. -You will require two pounds of buttercups, -dividing that amount in the colors mentioned. -Roll each candy separately in tissue -paper, corresponding in color, and hide with -care. If for a children’s party, place <i>bric-à-brac</i> -and all breakable articles beyond their -reach, and direct the little people so as to -avoid accidents.</p> - - -<h3>BIRTHDAY TABLEAUX.</h3> - - -<h4><i>Tulips.</i></h4> - -<p>Group the children so that they look -pretty. They could wear green clothes to -represent stalk and leaves, and have large, -colored-paper petals fastened to their waists,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> -and with wire shaped and bent upward they -would look like veritable tulips. Then a -few others could, in a previous tableau, show -the act of planting tulip bulbs and watering -some growing tulips.</p> - - -<h4><i>The Cotillon.</i></h4> - -<p>Eight girls and boys should be dressed in -Knickerbocker attire, and stand as if ready -for the first figure of the Cotillon.</p> - -<p>This tableau should be set in a drawing-room.</p> - - -<h4><i>Flitting Fairies and Butterflies.</i></h4> - -<p>Gay music is heard and in come the fairies -dancing, followed by a train of dancing -butterflies, costumed in red, yellow, and -white.</p> - -<p>The wings may be of tinted crêpe paper -or tarletan held in place by stiff wire.</p> - -<p>The fairies should wear short fluffy gowns -of airy gossamer, heavily covered with -spangles and diamond dust. With each -movement they must glimmer and glisten.</p> - -<p>The scene may be set in any pretty drawing -room, but more properly with a background -of palms and potted plants.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>METHODS OF CHOOSING PARTNERS.</h2> - - -<p>Pass baskets of flowers to the ladies. -Enough bunches have been prepared and -laid in the baskets for each one of the ladies. -On a tray are bunches of leaves and vines; -pass these to the men.</p> - -<p>The leaves will match the flowers, as a -bunch of pansies will have a corresponding -bunch of pansy leaves, a bunch of lilies of -the valley its bunch of lily leaves, etc., etc. -Where roses are used, a bud matching the -rose may be put with the leaves, or better, -the ribbon tying a bunch of rose leaves, -might match the rose it is supposed to go -with. Of course, the pansy-leaf man will -hunt out the lady with pansies; and the -lily-leaf man, the maid with the lilies.</p> - -<p>Take bristol-board and cut it in small -pieces, the size and shape of large rose -petals. Tint these pink with a bit of yellow -on the narrow end, where the petal is supposed -to have left the rose. Write in gilt -paint on each of them a word, any noun, -verb, adjective, etc. Then bend and twist -in the fingers until they look like veritable -Katherine Mermet or La France petals. -Have enough so that each girl invited may -have one.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> - -<p>Take more bristol-board and make deep -red petals; on these write with gilt paint a -part of speech, noun, verb, adverb, etc. -Make enough to supply each man.</p> - -<p>These at the time of entertainment should -be passed just before you wish the partners -chosen. Then the man whose petal reads -<i>adverb</i> will seek among the pink-petaled -girls until he finds an adverb.</p> - -<p>Of course, in a large company there will -be several nouns and several adverbs. -But the noun man will of course offer his -arm to the first pink noun he finds. Be sure -to have the petals match. If you must have -five red petals reading <i>verb</i>, be sure to have an -equal number of pink verb petals, e. g. pink -petals reading <i>play</i>, <i>dance</i>, <i>sing</i>, <i>run</i>, <i>talk</i>.</p> - -<p>Have two baskets, one knotted with pink -ribbon and the other with red. These -baskets should each contain paper hearts, -about three inches long, and wide in proportion. -The hearts may be suspended by -means of narrow pink satin ribbons, and -each heart is slightly decorated with water-color -paints. In the same basket no two -hearts are alike, but their duplicates are -found in the other basket. When the duplicates -are found, partners are decided.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Have two bags of walnuts. One is to be -passed to the girls, the other to the boys.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> -To each walnut a tiny slip of paper has been -glued, on which half of a familiar quotation -is written. One half of the quotations are -in the girls’ bag, the other half in the boys.’ -The girls’ bag is passed first. When the -boy is able to complete his quotation, he -discovers his partner.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>When an equal number of boys and girls -are present, for example, ten each, mark ten -slips of paper according to the numerals, 1, -2, and so on. Then throw them into a bag -and jostle them together. After which pass -to the girls. They should each draw one -paper.</p> - -<p>When the girls have drawn, offer slips -of paper in the same manner to the boys, -who will draw likewise. Corresponding -numbers are partners.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>TANGLES AND FORFEITS.</h2> - - -<h3>TANGLES.</h3> - - -<h4>Charades.</h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. When I go gunning</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">I’m very bright.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And it’s my delight</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">To keep good sight.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">When I go fishing</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">I like to hook,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And when I sift</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">A pretty book,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">I help our seamstress and our cook,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Then all around the room I look</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And think of all I’ve undertook.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h4>Second.</h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">I’m beating America,</div> -<div class="verse">So folks say,</div> -<div class="verse">As through the air</div> -<div class="verse">My horses tear,</div> -<div class="verse">And snap, snap, snap,</div> -<div class="verse">I cannot hold them back.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - - -<h4>Whole.</h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Black and sweeping,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Swimming and weeping,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">So wet, so tender,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sometimes the scorning of’t</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Others the sorrow of’t,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lifting so joyfully,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Drooping so coyly.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">2. My first shouts freely in,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second’s a pretty letter,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My third a valiant instrument.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">But my fourth, alas,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Just has to pass,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">As wound and scar,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">From beauty’s law it doth debar,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">For it doth seal and hurt and mar.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">3. My first comes over the sea,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And delicious it is to me,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second of use to draw,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And of variety score upon score,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole has letters six,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And while the clock ticks, ticks,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">I am sure you’ll guess my name,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">For I’ve told you very plain.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">4. I am a word of five letters,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And a torment to my betters,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My first and last are alike they say,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second and fourth the same trick play.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My three middle letters</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Come every one’s way</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And make a brief stay,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">On all alike,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Just before night.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>ANAGRAMS.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1. Cover no sin.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2. Tim N. may gain.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">3. Go nurse.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4. Train on time.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5. Claim a part, G.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6. A mad girl.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7. ’Tis veteran Mylo, D.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8. A rude song.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9. Any one can.</span></div> -<div class="verse">10. Thomas rap again.</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>CROSS-WORD ENIGMAS.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">1. My first is in saddle, but not in pony;</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second is in spaghetti, but not macaroni;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My third is in water, but not in sand;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fourth is in Indian, but not in command;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fifth is in plank, but not in board;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My sixth is in saving, but not in hoard;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My seventh is in make, but not in lose;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My eighth is in gaiters, but not in shoes;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My ninth is in candle, but not in light;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My tenth is in horses, but not in bite;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My eleventh is in inch, but not in measure;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My twelfth is in satin, but not in treasure;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My thirteenth is in coke, but not in ton.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is a useful invention.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">2. My first is in silent, but not in loud;</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second is in alone, but not in crowd;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My third is in example, but not in talk;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fourth is in buying, but not in bought;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fifth is in fancy, but not in reality;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My sixth is in brains, but not in vanity;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My seventh is in angels, but not in ghosts;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My eighth is in goodness, but not in hoax;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My ninth is in religion, but not in cant.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is the name of a useful plant.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">3. My first is in lamb, but not in beef;</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My second is in mouth, but not in teeth;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My third is in Neptune, but not in sea;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fourth is in steward, but not in me;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My fifth is in slow, but not in fast;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My sixth is in never, but not in last.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is a great city.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">4. In house not in lawn,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In take not in form,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In lark not in sky,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In toil not in try,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In borrow not in lend,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In tatters not in mend,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In draught not in buy,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In loaf not in pie,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In page not in book,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">In novel not in took.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">My whole is a flower.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>NUMERICAL ENIGMAS.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. I am composed of five letters.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 3, 2, 5, shows hindrance.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 4, 1, a part of speech.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is a Spartan title.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">2. I am composed of twenty-seven letters.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 20, 16, 17, is a condition of atmosphere.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 14, 13, 26, 18, was a rich woman.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 1, 9, 25, 11, 10, is indicative of knowledge.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 6, 23, 24, 22, relative to curvature.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 8, 3, 4, 12, shows docility.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 19, 15, 7, 21, is a girl’s name.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 2, 27,—5, Insert a letter in the blank space and you’ll have the end.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">3. I am composed of nine letters.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 4, 2, 6, 5, is a space.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 3, 8, 1, is a quick inclination.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 7, 9, with one of the letters doubled indicates comfort.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is a flower.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">4. I am composed of eight letters.</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 7, 4, 5, 3, is a kind of skin.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 6, 2, 8, represents a number.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My 1 is a part of speech.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">My whole is an animal.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>DECAPITATIONS.</h3> - -<p>1. Behead a stream of water, and leave a -bird like a crow, behead a carpenter’s tool -and leave a passage, behead a section of a -carriage and leave the hind part of a section -of the body, behead an edible fish and leave -a multitude.</p> - -<p>2. Behead a supplication and leave light, -behead a short time and leave a hide, behead -a covering and leave relations, behead a -relative and leave something different.</p> - -<p>3. Behead a wading bird and leave a -wooer, behead to charge and leave one that -is unsound, behead a dance and leave a fish, -behead an officer and leave a verb.</p> - -<p>4. Behead a weapon of war and leave a -fruit, behead an ensign and leave a unit, -behead a low, flat-built vessel, and leave a -narrow passage, behead a ruminating animal -and leave a plant and its seed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>DROP-LETTER RIDDLES.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. -h- w-s -u-h -u-e -o -o-z?</div> -<div class="verse">2. -h- w-l-e- o- e-r-h,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-h- t-l-e- o- e-r-h,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-h- r-b-k-d - m-n -o- s-n;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-h-’s -o- o- e-r-h,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-h-’s -o- i- h-a-e-,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-o- l-k-l- t- g-t -n.</span></div> -<div class="verse">3. -h- d-d -d-m -i-e -h- a-p-e -v- g-v- h-m?</div> -<div class="verse">4. -h-t -i- a-a- f-r-t -e- i- t-e -a-d-n -f -d-n?</div> -<div class="verse">5. -h- a-e -d-m -n- e-e -n -n-m-l- i- g-a-m-r?</div> -<div class="verse">6. -o- d-d -o-h -r-s- h-s -a-r -n -h- a-k?</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>DROP-LETTER PUZZLES.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. M-K- H-Y -H-L- T-E -U- S-I-E-.</div> -<div class="verse">2. -a-l- -o -e- -n- -a-l- -o -i-e,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">-a-e- -e- -e-l-h-, -e-l-h-, -n- -i-e.</span></div> -<div class="verse">3. -o -o -h- -n- -ho- -luggar-, -onside- -e- -ay- -n- -e -is-.</div> -<div class="verse">4. -i-t-e -l-n- i- h-p-i-e-s -e-o-.</div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>OPENING LINES OF FAMILIAR SONG.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. Ho odtn’ uyo eeerrmmb twese eclai ebblton,</div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Etswe claei ihwt iahr os rnbwo;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Esh pwte tiwh gdtheil hwne uoy aevg ehr a eimls</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Dan lteredmb hiwt aefr ta uyro wrfno.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">2. Hte peehtnla own esog urdon,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Eht dnba gsiben ot aypl,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Teh ybso aer daunor hte ykmeno gcea,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">U’oyd treebt ekpe ywaa.</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">3. I aeddr eht yad u’yllo gftore em grreeiamtu</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Nda lilst i okwn ti oosn lwli ecmo,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Het iteesvf aecdn, eht ihcr teh yga,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Os fetfrdnei rmof rou emho umeegairrt.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3>ANSWERS TO CHARADES, ANAGRAMS, ETC.</h3> - - -<h4><i>Charades.</i></h4> - -<ul> -<li>1. Eyelash.</li> -<li>2. Independent.</li> -<li>3. Teapot.</li> -<li>4. Level.</li> -</ul> - - - -<h4><i>Anagrams.</i></h4> - - -<ul><li>1. Conversion.</li> -<li>2. Magnanimity.</li> -<li>3. Surgeon.</li> -<li>4. Termination.</li> -<li>5. Pragmatical.</li> -<li>6. Madrigal.</li> -<li><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>7. Demonstratively.</li> -<li>8. Dangerous.</li> -<li>9. Annoyance.</li> -<li>10. Phantasmagoria.</li></ul> - - - - -<h4><i>Cross-word Enigmas.</i></h4> - - -<ul><li>1. Sewing-machine.</li> -<li>2. Saxifrage.</li> -<li>3. London.</li> -<li>4. Heliotrope.</li></ul> - - - - -<h4><i>Numerical Enigmas.</i></h4> - - -<ul><li>1. Helot.</li> -<li>2. A soft answer turneth away wrath.</li> -<li>3. Dandelion.</li> -<li>4. Antelope.</li></ul> - - - - -<h4><i>Decapitations.</i></h4> - - -<ul><li>1. Brook, rook; 2, plane, lane; 3, wheel, heel, trout, rout.</li> -<li>2. Pray, ray; 2, spell, pell; 3, skin, kin; 4, mother, other.</li> -<li>3. 1, plover, lover; 2, blame, lame; 3, reel, eel; 4, mate, ate.</li> -<li>4. 1. Spear, pear. 2. Mace, ace. 3. Galley, alley. 4. Goats, oats.</li></ul> - - - - -<h4><i>Drop Letter Riddles.</i></h4> - -<div class="hangsection"> -1. Why was Ruth rude to Boaz?<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Because she trod on his corns, and pulled his ears.</span><br /> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">2. She walked on earth,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">She talked on earth,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">She rebuked a man for sin;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">She’s not on earth,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">She’s not in heaven,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Nor likely to get in.</span></div> -<div class="verse">Balaam’s Ass.<br /><br /></div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="hangsection"> -3. Why did Adam bite the apple Eve gave him?<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Because he had no knife.</span><br /> -<br /> -4. What did Adam first set in the Garden of Eden?<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">His foot.</span><br /> -<br /> -5. Why are Adam and Eve an anomaly in grammar?<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Because they are two relatives without an antecedent.</span><br /> -<br /> -6. How did Noah dress his hair in the Ark?<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">With the fox’s brush and the cock’s comb.</span><br /> -</div> - - -<h4><i>Drop Letter Puzzles.</i></h4> - - -<ul> -<li>1. Make hay while the sun shines.</li> -<li>2. Early to bed and early to rise, makes men healthy, wealthy, and wise.</li> -<li>3. Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise.</li> -<li>4. Virtue alone is happiness below.</li> -</ul> - - - -<h4><i>The Opening Lines of Familiar Songs.</i></h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">1. “Oh! don’t you remember sweet Alice, Ben Bolt,</div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sweet Alice, with hair so brown;</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">She wept with delight when you gave her a smile,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">And trembled with fear at your frown.”</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">2. “The elephant now goes round,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">The band begins to play,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">The boys are around the monkey</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">cage, You’d better keep away.”</span></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">3. “I dread the day you’ll forget me, Marguerite,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">And still I know it soon will come.</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">The festive dance, the rich, the gay,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">So different from our home, Marguerite.”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h4><i>Forfeits.</i></h4> - -<p>The exacting of forfeits for tardiness or -failure in the playing of games will usually -lead to as much amusement as the games -themselves.</p> - -<p>Those who subject themselves to forfeiture -may give a trivial article just as satisfactorily -as an expensive one, or they may simply -write their names on a slip of paper, and -hand that to the person in charge. Each -player is bound to redeem his name.</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of the game the host, or -any individual he may appoint (provided -that person has no forfeits), collects all and -puts them out of sight of the audience, and -commencing with the one at his right, he -takes the players in turn.</p> - -<p>That party now sits down and the one in -charge holding over his head one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> -trinkets or whatever the object may be, -says: “What a jolly thing! What a smart, -pretty thing! What will the owner do?”</p> - -<p>The party in the chair inquires, “Does it -belong to a lady, or to a gentleman?” He -is at once answered correctly and then responds -by advising a difficult or ridiculous -performance. The individual who owns the -forfeit must now perform what has been -advised. As soon as the party has redeemed -his pledge, another forfeit is redeemed after -the same method, and so on, one by one, -until all articles are returned to their owners. -Each forfeit is naturally redeemed amid -peals of laughter.</p> - -<p>The following may prove helpful to those -who have to declare penalties.</p> - -<p>1. Fold a piece of note-paper in the shape -of a fish.</p> - -<p>2. Say, Quizzical Quiz, sister Smith, five -times running without drawing a breath.</p> - -<p>3. Count twenty backwards without smiling.</p> - -<p>4. Mention five synonyms for the word, -Jabber.</p> - -<div class="center">(Chatter, gabble, mumble, prate, prattle.)</div> - -<p>5. Repeat three times without a mistake:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">David Daldron dreamed he drove a dragon,</div> -<div class="verse">Did David Daldron dream he drove a dragon?</div> -<div class="verse">If David Daldron dreamed he drove a dragon,</div> -<div class="verse">Where’s the dragon David Daldron dreamed he drove?</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p>6. Repeat the following lines twice,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Oliver Ogilvie ogled an olive and oyster,</div> -<div class="verse">Did Oliver Ogilvie ogle an olive and oyster?</div> -<div class="verse">If Oliver Ogilvie ogled an olive and oyster</div> -<div class="verse">Where is the olive and oyster Oliver Ogilvie ogled?</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>7. Touch the features while you solemnly -recite,</p> - - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem and answers"> -<tr> -<td align="left">Here sits the Lord Mayor,</td> -<td align="left">forehead.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Here sit his two men,</td> -<td align="left">eyes.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Here sits the cock,</td> -<td align="left">right cheek.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Here sits the hen,</td> -<td align="left">left cheek.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Here sits the little chickens,</td> -<td align="left">tip of nose.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Here they run in,</td> -<td align="left">the mouth.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="left">Chinchopper, chinchopper, chinchopper, chin! </td> -<td align="left">Chuck the chin.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>8. Repeat the alphabet similar to example.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">A was an archer, and shot at a frog,</div> -<div class="verse">B was a butcher, and had a great dog.</div> -<div class="verse">C was a captain, all covered with lace,</div> -<div class="verse">D was a dunce with a very sad face.</div> -<div class="verse">E was an esquire, with pride on his brow,</div> -<div class="verse">F was a farmer and followed the plow.</div> -<div class="verse">G was a gamester who had but ill luck,</div> -<div class="verse">H was a hunter and hunted a buck.</div> -<div class="verse">I was an innkeeper, who lov’d to house,</div> -<div class="verse">J was a joiner, and built up a house.</div> -<div class="verse">K was a king, so mighty and grand,</div> -<div class="verse">L was a lady who had a white hand.</div> -<div class="verse">M was a miser who hoarded up gold,</div> -<div class="verse">N was a nobleman, gallant and bold.</div> -<div class="verse">O was an oysterman, and went about town,</div> -<div class="verse">P was a parson, and wore a black gown.</div> -<div class="verse">Q was a quack with a wonderful pill,</div> -<div class="verse"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>R was a robber, who wanted to kill.</div> -<div class="verse">S was a sailor, and spent all he got,</div> -<div class="verse">T was a tinker, and mended a pot.</div> -<div class="verse">U was a usurer, a miserable elf,</div> -<div class="verse">V was a vintner, who drank all himself.</div> -<div class="verse">W was a watchman and guarded the door,</div> -<div class="verse">X was expensive, and so became poor.</div> -<div class="verse">Y was a youth, that did not love school,</div> -<div class="verse">Z was a Zan, a poor, harmless fool.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>9. Sing to the tune of “Oats, Pease, Beans -and Barley grows.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Tom he was a piper’s son,</div> -<div class="verse">He learned to play when he was young;</div> -<div class="verse">But all the tune that he could play,</div> -<div class="verse">Was “Over the hills and far away.”</div> -<div class="verse">Now Tom with his pipe made such a noise,</div> -<div class="verse">That he pleased both the girls and the boys,</div> -<div class="verse">And they all stopped to hear him play</div> -<div class="verse">Over the hills and far away.</div> -<div class="verse">Tom with his pipe did play with such skill,</div> -<div class="verse">That those who heard him could never stand still;</div> -<div class="verse">Whenever they heard him they began to dance,</div> -<div class="verse">Even pigs on their hind legs would after him prance.</div> -<div class="verse">He met old Dame Trot with a basket of eggs,</div> -<div class="verse">He used his pipe and she used her legs;</div> -<div class="verse">She danced about till the eggs were all broke,</div> -<div class="verse">She began to fret, but he laughed at the joke.</div> -<div class="verse">He saw a cross fellow was beating an ass,</div> -<div class="verse">Heavy laden with pots, pans, dishes and glass;</div> -<div class="verse">He took out his pipe and played them a tune,</div> -<div class="verse">And the jackass’s load was lightened full soon.</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>10. Blow out a candle.</p> - -<p>The candle is rapidly flashed before the -person to blow it out. If passed to and fro -quick enough, it will afford much laughter -before it is blown out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<p>11. Stand on a chair and do just as you -are bidden without laughing.</p> - -<p>12. Put a cord on the floor where you -cannot step over it.</p> - -<p>(Put it against the wall.)</p> - -<p>13. Put two chairs back to back and take -off your shoes and jump over them.</p> - -<p>This is only a trick, you take off your -shoes and jump over <i>them</i>, not over the -chairs.</p> - -<p>14. Act the part of a dumb servant. If it -is a lady who is redeeming the forfeit, she -must apply to a gentleman for a place, and -if a gentleman, he applies to a lady. Whoever -is engaging the servant asks seven -questions, all of which are answered by -dumb motions. Example: How do you -dust? How do you sew? How do you -open the hall door? How do you blacken -boots? etc.</p> - -<p>15. Ask a question that cannot be answered -in the negative.</p> - -<p>(The question is “What does Y E S spell?”)</p> - -<p>16. Give a conundrum unfamiliar to all.</p> - -<p>17. Dot and carry one.</p> - -<p>(Hold your ankle while you walk across -the room.)</p> - -<p>18. Imitate a banjo player.</p> - -<p>19. Dance a blind lanciers.</p> - -<p>(Try this when a number of forfeits have -to be redeemed. Eight people are blindfolded -and led to position. Another of the -company plays the lanciers. As those who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -are blindfolded will surely make ridiculous -errors, everybody will heartily laugh. This -forfeit creates much merriment.)</p> - -<p>20. Make a three-minute address, in -which every word commences with the -same letter.</p> - -<p>21. Tell who wrote the Star Spangled -Banner.</p> - -<p>(Francis Scott Key.)</p> - -<p>22. Tell who wrote Home Sweet Home.</p> - -<p>(John Howard Payne.)</p> - -<p>23. Tell who wrote the Battle Hymn of -the Republic.</p> - -<p>(Julia Ward Howe.)</p> - -<p>24. Walk out of the room with two legs -but walk back with six.</p> - -<p>(When you return, bring a chair with -you.)</p> - -<p>25. Give numerical poetry.</p> - -<p>Any verse that is familiar counting as example:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Shuffle-Shoon (one) and (two) Amber-Locks (three)</div> -<div class="verse">Sit (four) together (five) building (six) blocks (seven)</div> -<div class="verse">Shuffle-Shoon (eight) is (nine) old (ten) and (eleven) gray (twelve)</div> -<div class="verse">Amber-Locks (thirteen) a (fourteen) little (fifteen) child (sixteen)</div> -<div class="verse">But (seventeen) together (eighteen) at (nineteen) their (twenty) play (twenty-one)</div> -<div class="verse">Age (twenty-two) and (twenty-three) youth (twenty-four) are (twenty-five) reconciled (twenty-six)</div> -<div class="verse">And (twenty-seven) with (twenty-eight) sympathetic (twenty-nine) glee (thirty)</div> -<div class="verse">Build (thirty-one) their (thirty-two) castles (thirty-three) fair (thirty-four) to (thirty-five) see (thirty-six).</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> - -<p>26. Spread out a newspaper and stand -two persons on it, so that they cannot possibly -touch each other.</p> - -<p>(To accomplish this put the newspaper on -the floor, half on one side of the door, and -half on the other. A person stands on each -piece, and the door is shut between them.)</p> - -<p>27. Sing one of the topical songs.</p> - -<p>28. Sing the scale backwards.</p> - -<p>29. Draw a picture of a bicycle race.</p> - -<p>30. Build a house with cards.</p> - -<p>31. Sew a hem.</p> - -<p>32. Repeat rapidly either of the following -tongue twisters.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Susan shineth shoes and socks; socks and shoes -shines Susan. She ceaseth shining shoes and socks, -for shoes and socks shock Susan.</p> - -<p>Strict, strong Stephen Stringer snared six sickly -silky snakes.</p> - -<p>Swan swam over the sea; swim, swan, swim; swan -swam back again; well swum swan.</p> - -<p>Six thick thistle sticks.</p> - -<p>Flesh of freshly fried flying fish.</p> - -<p>Give Grimes Jim’s great gilt gig whip.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>IN THE ADIRONDACKS.</h2> - - -<p>It was the last week of July, and the -guests of a certain hotel, located amidst the -pine and balsam of the famed Adirondack -wilderness, were thrown into a flutter of -excitement.</p> - -<p>It had been steadily raining for three days -and nights, and now that the fourth day -was nearing its close a golden light appeared -in the west. The mirror-like surface of the -lake before the hotel rapidly revealed the -many shades of crimson red and deep gold, -while fleecy clouds of pink and white merged -into deeper tints.</p> - -<p>Every one was on the piazza, called there -by an enthusiast to witness the beauty of it -all. Every face smiled because the long -storm was over at last, and there seemed a -promise of radiant sunshine for to-morrow.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a voice from the north piazza -called to a young gentleman who had been -walking about with a rather dissatisfied air, -“I hear wheels. Now for the excitement -of an arrival.”</p> - -<p>It was only the waiting of a few moments, -and two bay horses, much bespattered with -mud and mire, drew the heavily built two-seated -surrey to the hotel steps.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> - -<p>Guests stood about by twos and threes, -most of them with half-averted faces, not -willing to openly show the inquisitive feeling -that each possessed. However, many -furtive glances were cast. Perhaps among -the most searching, were those given by the -dissatisfied young man.</p> - -<p>“Permit me, madam.” It was the proprietor’s -voice, as he aided a tall, fair-skinned, -stern and aristocratic-looking matron -to alight, assisting her meanwhile to -unfasten her travelling cloak, which had -caught on a nail in the end of a seat. The -lady slowly remarked, as her feet touched -the horse block. “That nail has been rather -too much in evidence.”</p> - -<p>By the matron’s side a young lady had -sat. This fact had been observed by all the -guests, before they had turned their heads -away, and now that she too had left the -carriage, her golden hair and soft hazel eyes -were mentally remarked, as also her graceful -carriage and elegant tailor-made gown.</p> - -<p>The proprietor, lifting one of the hand-satchels, -leaving the umbrellas and other -small luggage for the porter, led the way to -the office.</p> - -<p>Then they hastily entered, and a few -minutes later walked through the dimly-lighted -corridor, for it was not yet dark -enough to illuminate.</p> - -<p>“I reckon that girl has never been in the -woods before,” said the dissatisfied man to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -his friend. For now, side by side, he and -a young fellow about thirty strode slowly -up and down, exchanging confidences and -chatting in a desultory fashion.</p> - -<p>“She does not seem to the manner born, -that’s a fact,” said the other, “but she’s an -interesting type, and probably an addition -to our house party.” He turned an interested -face towards his friend and said: -“There’s far more the flavor of Narragansett -Pier or Bar Harbor about her than of the -woods, or she may have come from Saratoga. -We’ll not have to wait long to see, -or I’m not a correct judge, but her mother -may prove a formidable chaperon.”</p> - -<p>The mother and daughter, for their relationship -was at once identified, some one -having accommodatingly referred to the -register, and reported information to the -others, were not long in reappearing, and -the young men, still walking back and -forth, were not surprised to discover that -their prediction was correct.</p> - -<p>“Maud, dear, how shall you exist here?” -were the half-petulant words overheard as -the mother languidly seated herself.</p> - -<p>“It will not be Saratoga, I confess. But -isn’t that lake enchanting?” The girl’s face -was very fair and bewitchingly amiable.</p> - -<p>“Yes, it is pretty. But shall you ever -forget our trip to this hotel? Such roads!”</p> - -<p>Maud met her mother’s questioning eyes, -then noting a middle-aged woman approaching<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -them, with face full of kindly greeting, -waited.</p> - -<p>“You are strangers,” were this lady’s first -words, adding as she reached forth her -hand: “I fear you will feel lonely and -tired, after the long drive.”</p> - -<p>The mother at once extended her hand. -Then the lady asked the girl, “Have you -ever been in the woods before?”</p> - -<p>“Never, and my mother fears I shall not -like it. It did seem lonely, the last drive -through the pines,” and the sensitive mouth -quivered ever so slightly, as she explained. -“The drive up was so long, the roads so -thickly wooded, and here,” with a half-frightened -glance about, as though she -feared a fox or a bear would cross the walk -before her, “you have only the lake.”</p> - -<p>Without a word the lady laughed merrily, -but hastily checked herself. “I promise you -that if you will only join in our sports you -will find that there is much here besides the -lake. Though,” coyly scanning her, “the -lake has its amusements, fishing, boating. -Oh, the gentlemen here will be delighted to -introduce you to it.”</p> - -<p>Maud’s mother looked both surprised and -confused. The lady continued, as though -she noted her not. “You will find the camps -about the lake quite as entertaining as Saratoga’s -Floral Fête, or indeed any fashionable -watering-place amusement.”</p> - -<p>“Camps? I don’t quite understand,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -Maud’s mother remarked, with a touch of -bitterness in her tone, for the darkening -wood about, now that night was coming -fast, made her slow to relent. It was strange -she had chosen to come to such a spot.</p> - -<p>“I think one has to visit these camps to -understand,” the lady explained. “But you -will always find them hospitable, furnishing -afternoon tea every day you care to call. -And some days there are special <i>fêtes</i>, full -of pleasant surprises, when amusements -such as the thimble game and proverbs are -played, at which prizes are sometimes offered -as an added incentive. Last season -the hostess of one of the camps gave a children’s -party. There happened to be a few -here that year, for children are a rarity in -the Adirondacks. Of course their parents, -uncles, aunts and cousins came, too. That -entertainment has been talked about ever -since. The party opened with the wild -flower hunt. Small bouquets had been hidden -among the balsam boughs, low enough -for the little ones to reach; others were behind -bushes or rocks. These bouquets were -made up of clover, daisies and wild roses. -Whichever child found the most wild roses -received a prize.</p> - -<p>“This amusement was followed by the -hunt for Cinderella’s Slipper. The successful -one at this game also received a -prize. After this, the hostess invited all the -children into the balsam-covered lean-to,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -and told them a story about the old man of -Humbug Mountain. Humbug Mountain -towers just behind, you notice the tallest -mountain over there, don’t you?” and the -lady motioned to the left, as they faced the -lake.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but what has reddened the trees so? -Why, mother, did you ever see anything as -beautiful?” and while pronouncing the word -“beautiful,” Maud’s countenance was full -of delight.</p> - -<p>“That is the afterglow,” the lady replied, -but not waiting for further remark, -she continued: “I was telling you about -the old man of Humbug Mountain. The -hostess explained to the children that sometimes -he visited her camp, and when he did -so he whistled, and that if he should -whistle that afternoon, she would take the -children back of the lean-to to see him. At -that very moment a whistle clear and shrill -was heard, and the children, already enamoured -with the story, could scarcely be -sufficiently restrained to allow the hostess -to proceed. When the laughing, curious -children ran behind the lean-to, sure enough, -as had been promised, there was an old -man. He was standing on a table. It was -a dwarf skilfully arranged by two people.”</p> - -<p>“Oh that was it?” Maud interrupted, for -she had listened intently, and was apparently -as eager to discover the identity of the -old man of Humbug Mountain, as had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -the children of the party, and then she -added: “I happen to know about that, for I -was part of a dwarf once,” and with a wise -little shake of her head explained, “It is -arranged by two people.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and is it not capital?”</p> - -<p>“Fine, when it is well done,” and Maud -who was already feeling at home with her -companion, added: “And of course the -dwarf from the mountain would be well -done.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed he was. He told short, witty -stories, laughed, danced and capered to the -children’s great delight. They would clap -their hands for joy. It was a rare sight for -the grown-ups to watch the color come and -go in their expressive faces, their fluffy curls -and tangle of waves and braids tumbling -about as the little girls shook with laughter, -and some of the boys were even more amusing -than the girls, because they looked so -earnest, even solemn, in their efforts to find -an explanation for the old man. One little -chap said he would get his father to carry -his rifle now all the time, because they -might meet the old man sometimes when -he wouldn’t feel as jolly, and what then? -In fact he was about certain he had seen -the old man one day stealing away behind -a big stump, and even some of the children -laughed when he explained: ‘It was the -very same day, that I almost saw a black -bear. I could hear him growl. I tell you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -I ran! Like as not there was a fox too, or a -wild cat?”</p> - -<p>“Well, after the dwarf exhibition, there -were refreshments at which the children -toasted marshmallows and popped corn.”</p> - -<p>“Why, after all, Maud,” said her mother, -thawing out suddenly, “I fancy you may -like it here. There seem to be things -going on.”</p> - -<p>“<i>Like</i> it,” quoted the lady. “No one -ever wants to go home when she once gets -a taste of Adirondack life. It is like the -hounds following the deer. People take to -the woods.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly there sounded through the hall -the first measures of an orchestra.</p> - -<p>“The music has begun, and I must dress,” -said Miss Friend-in-Need, noting the questioning -glance between mother and daughter. -“That music is a signal to-night. A -few of us give a part of the Midsummer -Night’s Dream this evening, in the parlor, -and we are to costume ourselves as far as -possible before supper.</p> - -<p>“What fun we’ve had getting the affair -up! You may not know that it has simply -poured here for days and days, but we’ve -laughed until we’ve cried at our rehearsals, -and so have scarcely been troubled by rain.</p> - -<p>“You’ll surely come to the first and last -performance of this wonderful company, -will you not?” and walking away, the lady -looked over her shoulder for an answer. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> -having won a reply in the affirmative, the -lady rapidly hurried to her room.</p> - -<p>After supper, as Maud’s mother took her -seat, to which she was shown by a young -man acting as usher, she noticed the parlor -had been lavishly trimmed with boughs of -green. There was also a tiny wood adjoining -the stage, made of small balsam trees.</p> - -<p>“I suppose,” she remarked to her daughter, -“they went out between the drops and -gathered them.” And then both ladies interestedly -noticed the guests, as one after -the other, with an air of expectancy, entered.</p> - -<p>Programmes were passed and eagerly -scanned.</p> - -<p>It was indeed a gala night. Had Maud -and her mother known the various performers, -it would have greatly added to -their entertainment, but as it was, they -could not help adding their applause to that -of the others. Even though Maud was a -stranger, the joyous shouts of laughter -proved too contagious to be altogether resisted, -and indeed before the performance -was over, close contact with these merry -people made Maud feel as though she was -one of them, so quickly does one touch of -nature make the whole world kin.</p> - -<p>As the programme indicated the different -characters, they were carefully read, and -many ejaculations were overheard, such as: -“Oh, that’s Isabel’s character,” and “Why,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -Carl Adams will be a sight, he’s such a swell, -you know. How did such an exquisite -ever consent to humble himself in this way?”</p> - -<p>To Maud and her mother, however, all -were strangers, with the one exception of -the proprietor of the hotel, but they very -soon learned the names of the people about -them. Besides, as Maud’s mother very -truly said, “Without it I am not positive -that I could remember who the different -ones are in the piece, as it is a long time -since I have read the Midsummer Night’s -Dream.” Therefore, while waiting for the -first scene, they read:</p> - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="cast"> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Theseus</span>, Duke of Athens,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Proprietor of the hotel</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Egeus</span>, Father to Hermia,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. A——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lysander</span>,</td><td align="left" rowspan="2" class="brb"> </td><td align="left" rowspan="2" valign="middle">—in love with Hermia,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Demetrius</span>,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. C—— and Mr. H——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Philostrate</span>, Master of the revels to Theseus,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. T——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Quince</span>, a carpenter,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Master Carl Adams</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Snug</span>, a joiner,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Master John Jones</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Bottom</span>, a weaver,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. Sam S——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Flute</span>, a bellows-mender,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. Ralph R——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Snout</span>, a tinker,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Master Diedrick Delk</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Starveling</span>, a tailor,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. Percy P——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Hippolyta</span>, Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Miss Genevieve B——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Hermia</span>, daughter to Egeus, in love with Lysander,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mrs. Ralph R——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Helena</span>, in love with Demetrius,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mrs. Sam S——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Oberon</span>, King of the fairies,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Mr. James D——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Titania</span>, Queen of the fairies,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Miss Isabel M——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Puck</span>, or Robin Goodfellow,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Master Alexander Marvin</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Peaseblossom</span>,</td><td align="left" rowspan="4" valign="middle" class="brb"> </td><td align="left" rowspan="4" valign="middle">—Fairies,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Cobweb</span>,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Moth</span>,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mustardseed</span>,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>The Misses Wilson, Bruce, Sim, Conger.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3">Other fairies attending their King and Queen,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Misses Kate W——, Fanny T——, Eva M——</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="left" colspan="3">Attendants on Theseus and Hippolyta,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Masters Goodwin, Bartlett, Carrington and Scott.</i></td></tr> -</table> -</div> - - -<p>As Maud’s mother inquired when in the -seclusion of their own apartments, “Did -you really like it so very much?”</p> - -<p>Maud answered laughing, “More than I -can express.”</p> - -<p>The following morning it was a question, -“What would be the proper costume for -breakfast?”</p> - -<p>From one of their windows they had a -partial view of the lake, but from the other -nothing but tall trees met their eyes. Pines -were in abundance, but there was an occasional -hemlock, spruce, birch and maple.</p> - -<p>“It is summer. Would you think that -this white organdy would do?” asked Maud, -and the frock, apparently only a cloud of -Valenciennes lace, was held towards her -mother.</p> - -<p>“Do? I am sure I don’t know what is -considered correct for such a wilderness, -but you might not be warm enough. I -fancy it is cold outdoors.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what I’ll wear,” said the -young lady presently, for she had a wonderful -conception of color values, and knew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -what would look best with her dark eyes, -and also what would produce the most -fetching effect, should she be able to induce -her mother to walk among the trees -after breakfast. “I am going to put on my -crimson piqué, bodice and all,” for she had -several waists that could be worn with the -same skirt, and as her quick eyes looked -over the guests at breakfast, she was not -sorry the decision had been against the -organdy.</p> - -<p>“All night my dreams were of the entertainment,” -said Maud, as, sitting opposite -her mother, she tried to pour the cream -into her coffee. “It is almost too thick to -stir. Did you ever see such cream?” she -said.</p> - -<p>“I never saw thicker. And this trout is -delicious. It would be singular indeed if I -were won to this place. But, Maud, tell me -about your dream, dear.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I dreamed of Titania and Oberon, -Queen and King of the fairies, you know. I -could see the airy things moving over the -green. It was Midsummer-Night’s Dream -truly, for I dreamed of the pretty piece, and -isn’t this Midsummer?”</p> - -<p>“Why, Maud! I fancy you slept well. -Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that I -too dreamed of our evening’s pleasure.”</p> - -<p>“Surprised! Yes, indeed!” and Maud’s -eyes sought her mother’s. “What part did -you dream about?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I think it is the opening of the second -act, when the fairy replies to Puck,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Over hill, over dale,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thorough bush, thorough brier,</span></div> -<div class="verse">Over park, over pale,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Thorough flood, thorough fire,</span></div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 2em;">I do wander everywhere.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">You remember how it goes, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Perfectly; and didn’t that fairy look -lovely? I am sure I shall be glad to -know her. But Puck I am not as sure -about.”</p> - -<p>“Could you pass me the rolls, Maud?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, take that one,” and Maud -turned the plate so that her mother could -have a temptingly brown roll.</p> - -<p>“And now,” continued her mother, as -she contentedly broke the roll open, “tell -me more about your dream.”</p> - -<p>“You know towards the close, Oberon -and Titania entered with their train.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean where Oberon sings,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Though the house gives glimmering light,</div> -<div class="verse">By the dead and drowsy fire,</div> -<div class="verse">Every elf and fairy sprite,</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">And so on?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, those are the very words. And -didn’t Titania have a sweet voice? I hope -she’ll sing often. I am sure everybody<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -must enjoy listening to her. I thought this -beautiful:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">First rehearse your song by rote,</div> -<div class="verse">To each word a warbling note.</div> -<div class="verse">Hand in hand with fairy grace,</div> -<div class="verse">Will we sing and bless this place.”</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>As Maud said, “bless this place,” the -lady who had welcomed Maud and her -mother the evening before was walking -past their table, and having overheard the -words, she stopped.</p> - -<p>“Just what I like to hear.” Then mischievously -looking at Maud’s mother. “But -I did not expect the woods to have won so -much enthusiasm already, did you?”</p> - -<p>“No, I did not,” and the mother’s lip unbent -into a sunny smile. “But there is no -telling what we may both say yet.”</p> - -<p>“This fish breakfast has been delicious, -and besides everybody looks rested and -cheery.”</p> - -<p>“That is just the point; no one can help -being rested, because midnight-oil is unknown -here and how can people help being -cheery, when this bracing air is a tonic; -And besides we have so many delightful -sports. There are to be charades, and rollicking -games, such as Twirl the Platter, -and Going to Jerusalem, this evening, and -to-day there are several things on hand. -One is a driving and riding party. All the -young people, with two chaperones, are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -going over to the next hotel to dinner. By -the way, do you ride?”</p> - -<p>And Maud, whose face was flushed with -the memory of her many pleasant hours -on horseback, answered, “I could ride almost -forever.”</p> - -<p>“Then you are the very young lady we -want,” and turning to Maud’s mother, “I’m -to be one of the chaperones. I’ll promise -to bring her home safe. There is a fine saddle-horse -waiting to be ridden, and——a fine -young man, who is in despair because every -one but himself has a riding companion. -He is a New York lawyer. May I introduce -him?” were her words, as the trio left the -breakfast-room together.</p> - -<p>The answer must have been “Yes,” because, -an hour later, one dowager said to another, -“Did you hear that new girl, that -airish creature with the golden hair, and -sleepy-looking dark eyes, who came just -before supper last evening, has gone off -horseback riding with the one we called -‘the dissatisfied young man?’ He seems -to be perfectly satisfied now. I suppose -neither of our daughters was good enough -for him.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>THE FLOWER-TEST.</h2> - - -<p>The postman rapped at my door, and -presently the trim little maid brought me a -big square letter on a tray. I knew that -hand. Nobody but Penelope writes in that -scraggly style, plain, too, as a pikestaff, and -easy to read. “Darling Gertrude,” she began, -“I am about to plead for a visit. It -seems a little bit of forever since I saw you -and I want you here in my country house -where we’ll have time to enjoy one another, -talk of the past and present tenses to our -hearts’ content, and perhaps plan a happy -future.</p> - -<p>“Let me tell you whom you’ll meet: Mr. -and Mrs. Burkhardt,—you remember that -sweet little girl bride who succeeded so well -in blinding us—at first; dear old General -Bolton, and his youngest brother, who paints -almost as well as he talks; pretty Elsie -Sterling and my cousin Bob. You see I put -them together, but so would you if you -could look out of my window and see them -now. Bob has just mounted Elsie on White -Baron, and now as I write the words he’s -up on Caper and off they go. Well—we’ll -borrow White Baron and Caper later on, -you and I, and perhaps as we canter along<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -side by side we may feel ourselves back -again,—back—how many years? Never -mind, we’ll not count. The years have been -happy to us both, I hope.</p> - -<p>“But you’ll come—you must not say <i>no</i>, -remember. Cordially your friend,</p> - -<div class="sig">“Penelope T. Gerard.”</div> - -<p>Indeed I would not say “No.” I would -arrange and rearrange my summer plans to -meet Penelope once more.</p> - -<p>It was scarce three years since I last saw -her. She was then a bride of but two -months and I spent three days with her -just as I was leaving for Germany. During -the interval our letters were more or less -frequent, and so in a way we each kept track -of the other and felt as close friends as we -had been since our childhood.</p> - -<p>So it was with infinite pleasure I wrote an -acceptance.</p> - -<p>“The Maples” is an unpretending rambling -sort of a house, with piazzas, and “corners,” -and nooks where one would least -expect them. There is no rhyme or reason -to the architecture, and an architect -would shake his head in sad consternation. -However, if he were told that three generations -of Gerards had idled their summers -happily away within and without its walls, -and that each owner had added his share to -the original pile, perhaps the exact architect -would turn his critical smile to one of content<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -and count himself fortunate to be allowed -to enter this abode of happiness.</p> - -<p>It was a sunny day when I first drove up -the long maple-lined driveway and there on -the lawn, close to the entrance, was Penelope -making tea and laughing one of her old -merry laughs as the General stood before her. -I suppose he was telling her one of his -funny stories. I don’t know, for of course I -only saw them a moment before the carriage -stopped, and once more Penelope and I were -together.</p> - -<p>The General had known us both as girls, -and soon we were talking over old faces and -scenes, and it seemed as though we had -never been parted. The rest of the party -had gone for a long drive and would not be -back until seven o’clock. So we three -talked on and on.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it does seem so good to be here, -Pen,” I said, and added, “As I came up the -driveway, the first thing I heard was your -laugh. You know how mamma used to like -to hear you laugh.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I remember how irrepressible I was. -But, Trudy, you too would have laughed if -you’d heard the General hang me.”</p> - -<p>“Hang you?”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes. Don’t you know the game?” -Then seeing my bewilderment, she went on. -“You must learn it. It’s fine for two people. -Especially when one gets short of subjects -to talk about.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - -<p>Here General Bolton threw back his head -and laughed heartily. “Short of subjects to -talk about! I guess Trudy would as soon -believe the Atlantic had gone dry as to -think your nimble tongue was ever still. No, -indeed! On the contrary, Trudy, she was -bound she would make me let out a secret, -and I, old fool, would probably have fallen -into her trap, only she warned me by—but -never mind how she warned me, or even -that will fail me next time. So I hung her. -Yes, I caught her well.” Then with a -chuckle. “Tell her how, Pen, you know -best how, for you know you were <i>hung</i>, -and well hung.” And again he laughed.</p> - -<p>“That’s true. But try me again sometime, -or rather, I’ll try you and we’ll see -who does the <i>hanging</i>. No, not now, you -need not look so eager.”</p> - -<p>“Bah, you’re afraid.”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed I am not. Just now however -I mean to take Gertrude and show her -where her room is. She has been ever so -patient.”</p> - -<p>“But, my dear, please explain first about -the <i>hanging</i>. It sounds so sanguinary.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it is. Now listen and I’ll explain, -and then we’ll go indoors. ‘To hang a -person with a word,’ is the name of the -game. You take any word you like in your -mind and simply mention the number of -letters it has. The other party has to guess, -by letters, without making twelve misses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -If she fails to guess without twelve wrong -guesses, she is <i>hung</i> as I was. That doesn’t -seem very clear to you, I suppose.”</p> - -<p>“Well, not exactly.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll take a word and show you. Now, -General, I did not mean to give you your -battle now. But you may have it if you’re -ready.”</p> - -<p>“Steady, fire.”</p> - -<p>“All right.” Then she whispered to me -the word “Eyelet.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll hang you, General Bolton, with -a word of six letters.”</p> - -<p>“Bah, that’s easy. First, I’ll guess -L.”</p> - -<p>“Right. It has fourth place.” Then she -explained to me, “You have to tell the -position of the letter.”</p> - -<p>“M.”</p> - -<p>“Wrong. That’s one. You help me -keep count, Trudy. Remember, twelve -wrong guesses and I’ve hung him.”</p> - -<p>“A.”</p> - -<p>“Wrong. That makes two.”</p> - -<p>“E.”</p> - -<p>“Right. First place.”</p> - -<p>“I.”</p> - -<p>“Wrong. Three.”</p> - -<p>“O.”</p> - -<p>“Wrong. You see he’s trying the vowels. -How many does that make?”</p> - -<p>“Four.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you girls need not look so jubilant;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -four doesn’t make much. I’ll guess U, -next.”</p> - -<p>“Five,” we both shouted.</p> - -<p>“Well, T.”</p> - -<p>“Right, and sixth place.”</p> - -<p>“An e, an l, and a t. Let me see. Any -n’s in it?”</p> - -<p>“No. That makes six. Oh, we have -you, General, that is half the number.”</p> - -<p>“The battle is not won yet; no, nor lost -yet. Well, I’ll guess G.”</p> - -<p>“Seven.”</p> - -<p>He looked down at the grass and -drummed his fingers on his knee, then said, -“D.”</p> - -<p>“Eight.”</p> - -<p>“An e, an l, and a t. That’s a queer -combination when all the other vowels are -out. Holloa! Is there another e?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Third place.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, and another l?”</p> - -<p>“Nine.”</p> - -<p>“I hope this word is in the English language?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. It is English and it is used -to-day, but a generation back it was used -more frequently.”</p> - -<p>“A generation back! Bah!” and he -straightened himself and rising strode back -and forth with his hands clasped back of -him. “I have it! That is, I am pretty -certain. Has a y, hasn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes—second place.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Eyelet!” he shouted. “Bah, you -thought you had me. Well, you almost -did. Those pesky vowels were at fault.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind, I’ll hang you yet. I have -another word in mind. But not to-day. -Come, Gertrude. You see it all now, I -guess, and we must hurry in, or Will and -the others will be back before we are ready -for dinner. Good-bye for a time, General. -Look to your guns. I shall be after you -again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> - - -<h3>II.</h3> - -<p>Breakfast was more than half over, some -mornings later, when in came Bob and -Irving Bolton. A chorus of “Fie, fie,” -greeted them, and Elsie Sterling shook her -fingers threateningly as Bob explained, -“Pen, don’t be hard on a fellow. Irving -and I talked too late, I suppose, last night. -At any rate I know I should never have -turned up this morning only that he yelled -across to me that lunch was most ready. -And then he loitered to help me share the -blame of our lateness. Hey, old fellow?” -and he looked across at Irving as he slid -into the vacant place between Elsie and -Mrs. Burkhardt.</p> - -<p>“You are both rascals, both of you,” -growled the General. “Burkhardt and I -have been up hours and have planned the -finest sort of a day for the rest of you ungrateful -ones. Shall we tell them, Burkhardt?”</p> - -<p>Before Mr. Burkhardt had a chance to -reply, Penelope interposed, “Let me try -and guess.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mrs. Gerard, but you’ll have -to try twenty questions or some such game<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -or you’ll not hit it. It’s a fine scheme.” -And Ned Burkhardt nodded triumphantly -while he put a piece of buttered toast on his -wife’s plate.</p> - -<p>“I’ll guess just once, and without the help -of twenty questions either. It’s a picnic.”</p> - -<p>“Bah!” exclaimed the General. “You -overheard, or somebody told you.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps I did, or perhaps that omnipresent -‘little bird’ chirped it in my ear. But, -at any rate, it’s a fine idea. What say the -rest of you?”</p> - -<p>“Just the thing. Fine,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“How shall we go, Will, and where?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, let’s go to Sylvan Grove. It is only -ten miles. Let me see. Two of you can -ride horseback.</p> - -<p>“Will you and Irving ride, Gertrude? -And, Burkhardt, you and madame and Elsie -and Bob might take the buckboard, and -we three old fogies—pardon me, General,—will -follow on with the provisions. Will -that suit, Penel?”</p> - -<p>“All right. And now let’s get ready. -Can you all start in three quarters of an -hour?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed.”</p> - -<p>Promptly we all sallied forth, and it was a -merry party. The air was perfect, and Irving, -Bolton and I cantered on ahead, and -finding ourselves far in advance, we turned -and rode across country for a few miles.</p> - -<p>It was a perfect day, and the picnic was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -perfect success. At dinner that night we -voted it as the best day yet.</p> - -<p>“Well, to-morrow is the golf tournament, -you know,” said Will, and turning to his -wife, he added, “Didn’t you say there was a -dinner on too?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. I nearly forgot. Dear old -Mrs. Preston asked us all to dinner.” Turning -towards me she said, “You remember -at our tea, the day after you came, a white-haired -lady accompanied by her granddaughter?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed I do. I think you said she -lives in that gray stone house we passed -to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that is the one. It’s a lovely house -too—and such china! Why, Mrs. Burkhardt, -she has a willow set that would make -your mouth water. Perhaps we’ll see it.”</p> - -<p>Then turning swiftly, for dinner was over -and we were just leaving the room, “Listen, -all of you, please. To-morrow night -at Mrs. Preston’s, and next night nowhere. -It is Gertrude’s last night here and let’s -spend it all alone,” and having made her -little speech she slipped her arm around my -waist and we went out together.</p> - -<p>We passed through one of the French -windows, out on the piazza, and sat there -late into the night. Snatches of conversation -came to us again and again, and -Mrs. Burkhardt’s sweet soprano as she and -Elsie sang together, while Irving accompanied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -on the mandoline. But we, Penelope -and I, remained alone, each happy in the other.</p> - -<p>The last night came, as all “last nights” -must, and with it, “in sympathy with our -mood,” was the General’s courteous construction, -came a heavy, moaning storm. -Will poked the fire and piled on the logs as -though a blizzard were raging without. -Finally, he paused and said, “I guess, Pen, -dear, you may have your wish. No one -will disturb our family serenity this night.”</p> - -<p>How cosy it seemed and how happy all -appeared. Elsie and Mrs. Burkhardt, Irving -and Bob were playing checkers in the next -room. Ned and Penelope were talking about -dogs and horses and comparing their relative -intelligence. The General was looking over -some foreign photographs, while Will and I -bestowed our attention on the fire.</p> - -<p>“Truly,” spoke General Bolton, “did you -ever get up early enough to see Covent -Garden Market in its glory!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, General, do you mean to infer absolute -laziness, or do you mean that the gray -gloom of London would forbid an early -awakening?”</p> - -<p>“Never mind what I inferred. Did you -ever go to the market—early?”</p> - -<p>“Strange as it may seem to you, I did. I -went one morning to Covent Garden Market, -and early, about six o’clock, with an English -girl. It was a wonderful sight.”</p> - -<p>“See,” he interrupted, “it was this picture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> -of a costermonger with the palms and ferns -that made me ask you.”</p> - -<p>“It is very natural—the little donkey, -the barrow and all. And how very cheap -the plants and flowers are—why that morning -I bought for sixpence as many moss -roses and buds as I could carry.”</p> - -<p>“Gertrude, did you ever see that?” And -Will gave me a printed slip that he had been -searching for in his pocketbook. It was -called the Floral Test.</p> - -<p>“No, but isn’t it good? Let’s ask the -others the questions and see who can answer -the most.”</p> - -<p>“Come, all you people,” called Will, and -he stepped over to the next room. “Aren’t -you tired of checkers? Gertrude has a new -game.”</p> - -<p>When all were seated around expectantly -he said: “Now, Gertrude, you ask the questions -and we’ll reply. It is called,” he explained, -“the Floral Test. She’ll ask questions -and we’ll give answers in the names of -flowers.”</p> - -<p>“Tell me the name of a maiden, and the -color of her hair.”</p> - -<p>“Maria-gold,” shouted Irving.</p> - -<p>“Good for you, old fellow. How did you -know?” questioned Bob.</p> - -<p>“O here,” and young Bolton tapped his -forehead significantly.</p> - -<p>“What adjective fitted her and what was -her brother’s name?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p> - -<p>All were silent until Mrs. Burkhardt timidly -said, “Is it Sweet-William?”</p> - -<p>“That’s right. Now try this,—What was -his favorite sport in winter?”</p> - -<p>“That’s easy. Snowball,” and Bob threw -his handkerchief at Will, who sharply returned -it.</p> - -<p>“Ned, what was his favorite instrument?”</p> - -<p>“Is it the trumpet?”</p> - -<p>“That is right. Can you tell me, Elsie, -at what hour he awoke his father by playing -on it?”</p> - -<p>“Four o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and what did his father apply to -him?”</p> - -<p>“A golden-rod,” two or three shouted.</p> - -<p>“What office did his father occupy in the -church?”</p> - -<p>All seemed puzzled. Finally Elsie said, -“Was it elder?”</p> - -<p>“Right. What was the young man’s -name, and what did he write it with?”</p> - -<p>“That is a poser, Trudy. You’ll have to -tell them, I guess,” suggested Will.</p> - -<p>“Jonquil, don’t you see?”</p> - -<p>“Bah!” exclaimed the General, while the -others laughed.</p> - -<p>“Irving, what candy do you usually -buy?”</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t know,” said Will, “but wait -a moment and I’ll show you some,” and he -went to a closet and brought back a box of -buttercups.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Well, what did John do when he popped -the question?”</p> - -<p>“Aster,” yelled the General.</p> - -<p>“That is correct, General. See if you -can tell what ghastly trophy he offered -her.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, that is easy. A bleeding heart.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what did she say as John knelt -before her?”</p> - -<p>“Why, Johnny-jump-up, of course.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right. You are fine at this game, -General. Can you tell me what minister -married them?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jack-in-the-Pulpit,” exclaimed Penelope.</p> - -<p>“What did she wear in her hair?”</p> - -<p>“Bridal-wreath.”</p> - -<p>“What flowers bloomed in her cheeks?”</p> - -<p>“Roses.”</p> - -<p>“What did John say when obliged to -leave her for a time?”</p> - -<p>“Forget-me-not.”</p> - -<p>“That is all. It is a fine game, Will. -Where did you find it?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I came across it in a paper, and I -know Pen likes that sort of thing, so I cut it -out. But I forgot all about it until you two -were talking over Covent Garden and the -early market.”</p> - -<p>“I think I can add one to that list of -questions,” and Penelope arose and, drawing -me up by the hand, said, “What flower -should we put in the candle tray at night?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Poppy,” came the quick reply, and Bob -quoted,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">The Rock-a-bye lady</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">From Hush-a-bye street,</span></div> -<div class="verse">The poppies they hang</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">From her head to her feet.</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“—— oh, I say, Pen,” he called, as we -were on the stairs, “what shall we all do -when Gertrude leaves us?”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean that as a Floral Test -question?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I know what I’ll do, but I don’t know -any flower or plant to describe it.”</p> - -<p>“Why, Penelope, we’ll all balsam.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>HOURS WITH THE POETS.</h2> - - -<p>“Felicia Hemans was an American, -born ‘down East’ somewhere; I think in the -same section Nora Perry hails from,” was -the startling announcement uttered in my -hearing, by a “sweet girl graduate” of so -short time ago as June, 1892.</p> - -<p>“Pardon contradiction,” I called from my -end of the library, “but Felicia Hemans -was an Englishwoman, and her birthplace -was Liverpool.”</p> - -<p>The surprise the above incident created -caused my own thought to revert to the -honored and beloved poets who have so -lately left us, as well as to the mighty -revered army, from Chaucer down, who -have more or less an abiding-place in our -hearts.</p> - -<p>And then followed another thought,—would -it not be a wise use of time for some -of us to study the lives and works of these -poets, the minor as well as the more prominent -ones, and so save ourselves from -similar ludicrous blunders as the one above -given?</p> - -<p>And particularly do I appeal to the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -girls just out; but even the busy schoolgirl -would have the opportunity if she would -only systematically arrange her work. -Afternoon classes might be formed, or evening -ones if preferred; the latter would -have the advantages, as then the big brothers -might come. Simple refreshments, too, -would not jar on harmony, but rather tend -to sociability. These could be provided by -the hostess, for the girls should take turns -in having the class meet at each house. It -would also be found to be a benefit to have -a president and secretary for such a class, -or, if an old person could be gotten, popular -and wise enough to take charge, that would -prove still more satisfactory.</p> - -<p>It is quite the fashion now to be a member -of a dancing class, why not be a member of -a poets’ class, and so take care of your head -as well as your heels? Indeed, classes are -the “order of the day,” for language, music, -riding, cooking, wood-carving, needlework, -indeed everything, and the young girls or -boys who may read this sketch certainly -want to be into things as well as their -fellows.</p> - -<p>In these hours with the poets, take a -different poet for each time the class meets. -Before the close of one meeting decide on -who will be the next one taken up. For -example, will it be Keats, Saxe, Bayard -Taylor, or Jean Ingelow? That settled, -name who will be the one to give a biographical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> -sketch of the poet. This may be -in the form of an original paper, or read -directly from an encyclopedia. Also name -two or more members to read or recite poems -from the poet under consideration. Discussion -and criticism should be freely allowed, -and unanswerable questions should -be always answered at the next meeting before -entering on the new poet. It would -save time to have the hostess answer the -questions left from the week before, as she -could have numerous books at hand, and of -necessity would be present.</p> - -<p>Do not say this is too difficult a task. -Nothing is too difficult for those who -try.</p> - -<p>And do not think such study and hours -are unnecessary. If you do, find out how -many of your classmates can at once answer -whom Ben Jonson adopted as his poetical -son? He was a pastoral lyrist, and left behind -him thirteen hundred poems. He was -a bachelor, though he lived to be eighty-four -years of age. He was born at Cheapside, -London, in 1591, and died in 1674, at -Dean Prior, which living was presented to -him, for at times he was very poor. His -name was Robert Herrick.</p> - -<p>Or does my reader know that Thomas -Gray was a close student of Dryden, or that -the author of the first important body of -English sonnets was the romantic hero, Sir -Philip Sidney, and that he died when but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -thirty-two years of age, having been conspicuous -at the court of Elizabeth, was a -soldier of great promise, a leading statesman, -and has a prominent place in history?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>“THANK YOU!”</h2> - - -<p>“I sent her a basket of fruit for Christmas. -The basket was of the finest Chinese straw, -and decorated with handsome pale green -satin ribbon; and the fruit, Bartlett pears, -mandarins, and white grapes; but she has -not acknowledged it by either verbal or -written thanks.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps she never received it,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p>“I know that she did, for my daughter -called one day and recognized the basket, -which stood on the table in the hall through -which she passed.”</p> - -<p>“Well, but you know she is a very busy -woman.”</p> - -<p>“That is no excuse. People may be ever -so busy, but they should not forget decent -courtesy. Indeed, my experience has been -that the busy people are, oftener than otherwise, -the most polite people. My theory is, -they do not allow themselves to rust in any -direction; duty should be done, and is done. -If an individual cannot take time to thank a -friend for a Christmas gift, next year that -friend may not take time to give one. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> -am sure it is not the question of time; it is -the question of knowledge or carelessness. -There are people who really don’t know -enough to be polite; and others know, but -are too indifferent to take the trouble, forgetting -that their conduct reflects most disagreeably -upon themselves. One would -think a kind heart might dictate, if common-sense -did not. But I suppose some -people have neither common-sense nor kindness -of heart.”</p> - -<p>Overhearing the above conversation, the -listener was reminded of a similar instance -lately experienced in her own life. A letter -had been written, which had honorably adjusted -a money complication that concerned -the gentleman to whom she wrote and a society -which he represented, but did not concern -or reflect upon the writer in the smallest -degree excepting for the goodwill she -bore her friend, and yet for this same letter -she did not receive one word of thanks—not -even the acknowledgment of its ever having -been received. That it <i>was</i> received -was later proved by a printed report that it -would have been impossible to set in order -without it.</p> - -<p>The examples given are by no means rare -and peculiar, but may be duplicated over -and over by every intelligent person. And -in this age of letters, when printed matter -was never so reasonable, and when teachers -and schools may be really had “without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -money and without price,” when lectures on -all topics are inexpensively if not, indeed, -freely given, where is the excuse for knowledge -not to be the power of all? It would -almost seem as if even those indifferently -educated could not help but have learned -to say “thank you,” or to acknowledge by -pen or voice any accommodation, help, or -present.</p> - -<p>Blood is sure to tell, and with Emerson -we say that “man is physically as well as -metaphysically a thing of shreds and -patches, borrowed unequally from good -and bad ancestors.” To those of gentle -blood, rudeness would be impossible. If -there are partial lapses of manner with those -looked upon as the refined, the question is -asked, “Where does she get that trait?” -and possibly the answer may be, “Her -great-grandmother.” For thus are the sins -visited upon the children of even the third -and fourth generations. The deportment of -the real gentleman or woman can never be -unpleasantly criticised. They could not be -ungracious, no matter how hard they should -try. If there is ever a question about how -far politeness should extend, err on the side -of too much rather than that of too little. -Have too much manner rather than not -enough. Be too profuse in thanks rather -than too scant and meagre.</p> - -<p>When a gift has been received or a courtesy -of any kind shown you, at once acknowledge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> -it, unless you are too ill so to do, -or a positively important matter prevents. -If it is impossible to write to the one you are -indebted to that day, do it the next. But -as it is so easy for most of us to have good -intentions, do not put off for to-morrow -what should be done to-day.</p> - -<p>The note should not be long, but heartily -and pleasantly worded. Some people might -reflect, “I would not tell a falsehood, and -how can I say I like a thing if I do not?” Or, -as happened lately, two boxes of wild flowers -were sent me from California by two little -boys, with a note in one of the boxes containing -the words, “Which flowers got to -you best, Pierre’s or mine?” and I was -obliged to at once put both boxes in the fire. -Should I write of the sweetness of the blossoms -and the purity and beauty of their coloring? -By no means. But I would not -wound the childish hearts by telling of the -condition of the flowers at the time they -were received. Remember the thought -that prompted the gift. Dwell on that -altogether if you will. Send a loving message -to the donors, and they will never -dream you did not like their offering in the -one case or were obliged to burn it in the -other.</p> - -<p>After all, remembrance is the sweetest -of all earthly gifts. When the dear ones with -whom we journey are no longer here, we -will miss their gentle ministry. May not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> -any one of us then know the bitterness of -remorse, but rather let us hasten to send -abundant, hearty thanks to those who have -taken time to think and care for us!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>A STORY WITHIN A STORY</h2> - - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">It was the time when lilies blow,</div> -<div class="verse">And clouds are highest up in air,</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="unindent">that four young people were vivaciously -talking on the front piazza at Aunt Mary’s.</p> - -<p>Aunt Mary was everybody’s friend, but -particularly beloved by the nephews and -nieces, of whom this story tells. And her -home, “just the jolliest kind of a place to -visit,” Jo said, as he described beforehand -the expected good times his sister Madeline -with their cousins, Madge and Ernest, were -to have in the week’s vacation given them -for recuperation after the half-yearly examination.</p> - -<p>Aunt Mary’s house was in New Jersey; -of course, it was on a farm, for whoever -would think of looking for such fun and -frolic anywhere else? And as all the cousins -came from city homes, and Jo and his -sister from a small flat of a large apartment -house, the freedom of space which the -country had given, added to the bracing air -and sunny, cheerful atmosphere, was a delightful -contrast. But no one would have -thought, though, that Madeline was seventeen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -years of age, or that Madge was called -“Miss Propriety” at home, for they would -race over the farm, playing the wildest of -games “like a couple of tomboys,” their -brothers said. But Aunt Mary let them do -exactly as they pleased, and would always -sigh when she would talk of their shut-in -city life, and point to their red cheeks with -great pride, which she assured them came -from living with her. And the boys, too, -had seemed wonderfully benefited by their -running, racing, riding, ball and tennis playing. -Even the hallooing “got plenty of -fresh air in their lungs,” Ernest said, which, -with other things too many to mention, had -been done in this brief holiday.</p> - -<p>To-morrow they must start homeward; -and just because they were exhausted with -one and another game, they are, at the -commencement of our story, resting and -talking on Aunt Mary’s front piazza.</p> - -<p>Ernest is rubbing his right arm meanwhile, -for he says, “It has pained me dreadfully -ever since that last catch at the ball.”</p> - -<p>And Aunt Mary has just joined them, -carrying with her a big tin waiter on which -is a large molasses cake, so fresh that it is yet -hot from the oven, and a four-quart pitcher -of milk, which Bessie, the brown-eyed Alderney, -had given at the morning milking -hour. At sight of their aunt thus laden, -three cheers were laughingly and loudly -given, for if there is one way quicker than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -another to young people’s hearts, perhaps -it is by the way of hot molasses cake and -ice-cold fresh milk, as rich as many city -folks have their cream.</p> - -<p>Jo, who was eighteen years old on his -last birthday, is considered the young man -of the party. He has always been a gentleman, -and he at once rushed to the sitting-room -for his aunt’s favorite rocking-chair. -As Ernest has already disposed of the tray -by putting it on a spruce-bark covered table -which stands for all sorts of convenient purposes -on the piazza, Aunt Mary is comfortably -placed in her easy-chair before she realizes -that Jo had gone for it. “Oh, what -delicious cake!” “How kind you are!” -“I must have another glass of that milk.” -“Isn’t this lots better than being in school?” -etc., were the pleasing comments and ejaculations -which any stranger might have -heard passing on the other side of the road -from the house, or, indeed, a quarter of a -mile beyond it.</p> - -<p>After awhile, however, the eating and -drinking were over, and “What shall we -do now?” was the question. “I’m tired -out, for one,” said Ernest, and “I for another,” -continued Madge; “still, these are -our last hours and we must do something; -we cannot afford to lose a moment. Aunt -Mary, you tell us what to do.”</p> - -<p>“Will you promise to do what I tell -you?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> - -<p>“We will,” answered Madeline. “Of -course we will,” continued Ernest; “a likely -thing we could say no, now, of all times, -after the way this cake and milk have disappeared.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s agreed, then,” said Aunt Mary. -“I want you to entertain me awhile by -telling a story.”</p> - -<p>“A story! How? We don’t exactly -understand, do we?” asked Jo, looking at -one and another perplexed face.</p> - -<p>“The story,” answered Aunt Mary, “must -be altogether, ‘made up,’ as Madge would -say. It must be divided in four chapters or -parts, as nearly equal in length as is possible. -Jo can begin it, and, after talking, say -for two minutes, Madge must follow, then -Ernest and Madeline will close.”</p> - -<p>These words were followed with whistles -from the boys, and “Oh, my!” from the -girls, to all of which Aunt Mary said, -“You promised, and of course you will do -it. And when the story is told, we will all -drive over to Bear’s Gulch, and that will -take the remainder of the afternoon.”</p> - -<p>These words were followed by a halt and -sighs. “But it would be a burning shame,” -said Madeline, “not to please Aunt Mary; -besides, of course, we can do it. We can -do anything, if we try.”</p> - -<p>“So say we all of us; so say we all,” -sang Ernest.</p> - -<p>And Aunt Mary laughingly replied, “The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> -sooner the story is started, the sooner it is -through, and the sooner it is through, the -sooner we have the drive.”</p> - -<p>“Well, as I’m the starter, here goes!” -said Jo.</p> - -<p>“And,” interrupted his aunt, “when -your time is up I’ll call Madge’s name, and -so on. Don’t let us have any breaks. Tell -me a story just as smoothly as if you were -reading it from a book. Now, Jo.”</p> - -<p>“My title is, ‘The Adventures of an Irish -Setter.’ When Ned Armstrong was so small a -boy that he yet wore knickerbockers, he received -a short visit from his cousin William -Adams. He, too, was a little boy and was -often called ‘Sweet William,’ on account -of his sunny disposition, for, notwithstanding -he was sole heir to great wealth, being -the only child of rich parents, rich enough -to count their wealth by many millions -of dollars,—he was neither selfish, exacting, -nor in any way disagreeable, thereby an -example to some grown-up people we have -met. When William came on this visit, he -brought with him a large, well-trained dog. -He was a magnificent fellow, and Ned, his -cousin, was as amazed as he was pleased to -find that the dog was a present to himself -from William’s father, his Uncle Ned, after -whom he was named. This uncle had long -known he must sometime part with Moselle; -he had been his own from the time -Moselle was a puppy but two months old.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> -The reason for the separation of master and -dog was the giving up of housekeeping for -life in a hotel, as Aunt Cornelia, Uncle Ned’s -wife, was now too much of an invalid to continue -caring for a house, even with the assistance -of a housekeeper, of whom she had tried -many, and dogs are among the ‘not allowed’ -in hotels. So, Uncle Ned, remembering his -little nephew in the country, and knowing -how he would prize and kindly treat his old -pet and friend, sent Moselle by his son -William to him. This gift made Ned, however, -nearly crazy with delight, and the old -gardener often feared the results to his -flower beds after the races which Ned and -Moselle would take over them. Indeed the -dog was not to blame if he forgot many of -his well-trained ways, country life with -the little boy was so ungoverned by comparison -with what it had been with his staid, -but kind old master.</p> - -<p>“One day, five months after Moselle had -changed his home, Ned was missing. No -one knew where the child had gone. He -did not have a regular nurse; but an old -colored servant called Tamar had been in -the family many years, and she, with other -duties, was supposed to keep an eye on -this child. But Tamar had been negligent -this time. Ned was missing. The big -garden was searched everywhere, thinking -possibly he had fallen asleep under some -of the rose or berry bushes, but Ned was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> -in the garden. Strangely enough, as the -boy and dog were counted inseparable, -Moselle was all right and contentedly sunning -himself on a pansy bed, which was a -favorite place of his, though often scolded -and chased away for thus flattening the -beautiful flowers——”</p> - -<p>“Madge, it is your time.”</p> - -<p>“As Ned was not found in the garden, -the next place to look was all over the house, -while the cry of ‘Ned! Ned!’ was heard -in every room and from several windows, -for as one after another looked they would -throw up a window-sash, thinking Ned -must be somewhere outside in the grounds -and would surely hear them call, and they -would hear his voice in answer, even if they -did not see him. But it was all in vain. -Ned could neither be seen nor heard, and -his mother and sister Mary, a girl of twelve -years old, who were the only ones of the -family then at home, finally cried with fright -and anxiety. But their fright was of short -duration, for, before an hour had passed, -Ned was back perfectly safe, without scratch -or injury, and having the rested dewy look -to his eyes which all children have who -have lately woke from sleep.</p> - -<p>“It was Isaac, the stableman, who found -him. No one ever could really explain -why Moselle was not with him at the time, -but the child had wandered alone into the stable, -and the man passing in and out had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -noticed him, who, probably tired with play, -had fallen asleep on the hay. While thus -asleep, Isaac had closed the stable door and -fastened it, preparatory to a three miles’ drive -to the flour mill. On his return with the -meal, the clatter connected with the moving -of the stable door and getting the horses -back had wakened the child, who came hurriedly -out, rubbing his eyes as he ran, -and calling at the top of his lungs for Moselle, -not knowing others had as loudly been calling -for him. But Moselle did not answer. -There was no running, jumping and wagging -of the tail from his dog-friend, for Moselle -was now the missing one. In the -gladness of Ned’s being found, neither Mrs. -Armstrong, nor Mary, nor, indeed, any of -the servants, had given the dog a thought, -and it was not until Ned refused to be comforted -that one of the help slowly said, -‘There was a poor old soldier here this -morning, just at the time Isaac came home -with the meal. I thought, perhaps, Isaac -had given him a lift up. He asked for a -cup of coffee, but I had none made, and -didn’t want to take the trouble to make any, -so I gave him a couple of slices of bread -with apple-sauce between. I reckon he’s -made way with the dog, the mean, contemptible -wretch!’</p> - -<p>“And he had. Moselle was already miles -away from the house of little Ned Armstrong, -and his companion was the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -poorly-clad half-sick looking soldier that -the housemaid had given the apple-sauce -sandwich to that morning. The dog was -prevented from running home by a strong -cord fastened around his neck at one end -and the other end firmly clutched by the -man’s hand, and both dog and man had -had several helps over the road, as their -rested-looking condition proved. That -night, in the city of Wilmington, North -Carolina, the soldier sold the dog for twenty-three -dollars to a handsome young army -officer, at present stationed at Old Point -Comfort, but who had a three days’ leave of -absence to visit a sick relative at Wilmington. -The dog and his new master had -already started for ‘Old Point’ when the -officer suddenly remembered—”</p> - -<p>“Ernest, your time now.”</p> - -<p>“That he had forgotten to ask the dog’s -name, and, as he could not take time to -hunt the man up from whom he had bought -the dog, he decided to christen him Duke.</p> - -<p>“It was the month of March, and the -Hygeia Hotel was a gay scene of life and -beauty. Among the guests was a charming -young woman, talented and rich, but -also very lame. She could not walk without -the aid of a crutch; but, notwithstanding -this detraction, she fascinated everybody -by her lovely manner and cheerful, -sunny disposition. The gentleman who -had bought Moselle, now called Duke,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> -daily dined at the Hygeia, and in a particularly -fortunate time was presented to the -lame lady. He was, therefore, the envy -of all the unmarried army officers who, -with every one else, would delight in thinking -of her as their friend. The young lady -admired Duke very much, and often petted -and caressed him, and the dog seemed -proud and pleased to be in her company. -However, the time came for the lame lady -to return to her home in New York, and -the dog was left alone with his master, -though I might add, not alone, for everybody -living at the ‘Point’ seemed to know -Duke and would always praise his beauty. -One old gentleman offered two hundred -dollars for him once, but it was refused, his -owner saying, ‘I will never sell Duke, -though some day I may be tempted to give -him away.’ Duke was taught many tricks -while at the Fortress, among others, to -carry letters. These he would hold in his -mouth, but would neither tear them with -his teeth, nor wet them with his tongue. -He was also taught to ‘say his prayers,’ -which he always did kneeling on a wooden -chair, with his head resting with closed -eyes on the back. When ‘Amen’ was said -this was the signal to jump over the chair-back -and shake himself as if pleased to -have prayer-time over. One day, as the -mail was being distributed, Duke, as was -his wont, was standing near, and one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> -officers putting a letter in the dog’s mouth, -said: ‘Take that to your master. It’s from -his friend, the lame lady.’ This the officer -meant for a joke, but it was really true, and, -as the letter concerned Duke, we will insert -it here:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“‘<span class="smcap">Dear Mr. G——</span>:</p> - -<p>“‘According to promise, I write -you the result of the operation, which I am -sure you will be glad to learn is a complete -success. My physicians say if I will have -patience for another month I will then walk -as well as anybody. Please give Duke an -extra pat on my account, and whenever you -feel constrained to part with him, remember</p> - -<div class="sig"><span style="margin-right: 4em;">“‘Your friend</span><br />“‘<span class="smcap">Pauline Jerome</span>.’</div></div> - -<p>“That settles it!” exclaimed Duke’s -master. ‘I learned last night I was soon -to be sent to California, and I at once -decided my good dog and I must separate. -And now that he can have so kind a mistress, -and I have this opportunity to win -the gratitude of my lovely friend, what a -fool I would be to hesitate longer. On my -way to California, I will arrange to pass -through New York City, and will then personally -give my dog to Miss Jerome.’”</p> - -<p>“Madeline, will you finish the story?”</p> - -<p>“Six months have now passed since Duke -exchanged his home at Fortress Monroe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> -for the luxurious apartments of his beautiful -mistress. The dog is constantly tended -with the greatest care, groomed as tenderly -as if made of human flesh. He sleeps in -my lady’s room and seems truly aristocratic -with his lordly bearing. His baby-blue -satin ribbon bow, knotted into the solid -gold collar, which bears his name and -address, a Christmas gift from his mistress, -causes him to appear what indeed he has -become—almost spoiled with good fortune.</p> - -<p>“But what a change a few short hours -can make! That night there was a cry of -‘Fire!’ My! the alarm and panic it raised! -for the fire was not noticed until there was -so much flame and smoke that it was with -the utmost difficulty the inmates of the -house escaped with their lives. Nothing -else was saved. Miss Jerome calling to a -fireman, said: ‘Take care of my dog, and -I will pay you well.’ The man, catching -the dog harshly by the collar, fairly dragged -him out of the burning building, for Duke -seemed dazed with smoke and fright. But, -on reaching the street, the dog was entirely -beyond control, and, with wonderful strength -freed himself from the man’s grasp, strong -as it was, and dashed down the street. Miss -Jerome offered at different times large rewards -for his return; but it was useless, -Duke and his mistress were never again to -meet, he was as lost to her as if he had -never existed. Several months passed, after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -the fire, and the dog once more found -friends, a home, and his old name, Moselle. -Peculiar events happen in life, and few more -so than the following. Mr. and Mrs. Adams -of whom this story first told, had gone to -the South of France, hoping to recover the -health of Mrs. Adams, on whose account it -will be remembered the valued dog had to -be parted with. They were accompanied -by Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and their children, -Ned and May. The older people of -this party were one morning talking on the -lawn connected with the Hôtel de Grace, -when Ned and May suddenly burst upon -them accompanied by a large dog, who was -jumping and tearing around as if wild with -joy. Seeing Mr. Adams, he left the children, -and, jumping on his lap, laid his head -on his shoulder and moaned and actually -seemed to weep with gladness. ‘This is -Moselle, Moselle!’ shouted Ned; ‘we saw -him with an old fiddler out here on the road. -I thought he looked like my dear old dog, -though he is so thin and starved looking, -and I called “Moselle,” and you should -have seen him run. Those long legs of -his fairly raced to reach me. Indeed, he -knocked me down. He was too happy to -behave, wasn’t you, Moselle?’ and Ned -tenderly smoothed his beautiful head, which -he yet kept on his old master’s shoulder, as -though they must never be separated again, -while his tender brown eyes seemed to speak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -of affectionate content. The family never -again parted with Moselle until he died, -which sad event occurred towards the close -of the same year. The dog’s exposures and -privations after the fire, during his varied -life, seemed to have weakened and injured -him to such an extent that, though tender -care was constantly lavished, it came too -late. All that Mr. Adams ever learned of -Moselle’s history, he heard from the fiddler, -who had bought him from an old woman, -who said he belonged to her son, and that -they had had nothing but bad luck since the -dog was theirs, and she would be glad to -get rid of him at any price. The fiddler -thought the son had stolen the dog, and, as -he was himself having bad fortune, he determined -to leave America and return to his -own country, and had brought the dog over -the sea, thinking in that way if there was -any wrong dealing connected with the dog -he would never be discovered. ‘But,’ said -the old fiddler, gravely shaking his head, -‘I’ve always heard “wrong will out,” and -I’m thankful to dispose of him for so liberal -a compensation as you have so kindly made -me.’ With these words, the fiddler folded -his money over, thrust it in his pocket and -walked away.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you for such an entertaining -story,” said Aunt Mary; “and now we will -have our promised drive.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>ORRIN THE BOOTBLACK.</h2> - - -<p>“Shine, shine, shine!” the cry was as -earnest as it was pitiful. I rose from my -seat in the cabin of the Fulton Ferry boat, -for I was crossing from Brooklyn to New -York at the time, and found the boy; one -glance into his honest blue eyes did the -rest.</p> - -<p>I at once gave him my boots to blacken, -regardless of the opinion of my man Dennis, -that he had put on them an extra polish -that morning, and, while the almost baby -hand continued to shine them into as dazzling -a glare as blackened boots could -reach, I asked him his name, and, giving -him my card, told him to call on me that -evening at seven o’clock.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Adams, you surely do not mean me -to understand that your protégé, who to-night -delivered the valedictory address in -this honored college, and the bootblack are -one and the same?”</p> - -<p>“I do.”</p> - -<p>The above conversation was between the -President of the college and the senior member -of the Board of Trustees.</p> - -<p>“Yes; he is the same, and yet not the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -same, because then he was such a sad little -fellow, and now he is full of jokes and wholesome -pranks, a merry wit that gladdens my -old days, and almost makes a boy of me -again. At one time, though, I thought he -would never laugh; it was such an apology -for a smile that I first saw cross his prematurely -wizened face. But how long ago it -now seems! Let me see,” thoughtfully -counting one, two, three on his fingers, -“why, it must be twelve years since then. -How time flies!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, time always does fly, when we -are busy and happy. But are you aware -that your Orrin is one of our youngest men? -He gave his age as twenty-two!”</p> - -<p>“Quite correct.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I am confounded at your information. -I am as curious as I am interested. -Would you mind some time telling me the -rest of the boy’s story?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all; why not spend to-morrow -evening with me? You know we sail Saturday -for the continent, and after that our -movements are uncertain. Orrin has worked -hard, and I have promised him this treat, -and, though he does not know it, I am -contemplating leaving him at Oxford for -a year or two. By the way, I would like -your opinion as to that. But one thing is -sure—if he stays in England, I stay too. I -could not put the ocean between us. You -cannot imagine how my heart holds that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -boy; so, if you really want to hear my -chap’s story, you would better come to-morrow -night.”</p> - -<p>“I will come.”</p> - -<p>It was evening, and, when the two men -were comfortably seated in Mr. Adams’ -library, the following was told.</p> - -<p>Mr. Adams prefaced the recital with the -words: “I will photograph Orrin as he first -appeared in my home, and then, as nearly -as my memory can recall our conversation, -I will give it. Twelve years ago, about -seven o’clock in the evening, a maid told -me that a small poorly-clad lad, with a box -under his arm, was asking to see me. He -had entered by the lower door. I directed -her to bring him to me, and, strangely -enough, in my comfortable lounging-chair, -with the evening paper for companion, I -had entirely forgotten the engagement I had -made, but the girl’s words instantly recalled -all, and, a few moments later, I was addressing -him. His manner was neither shy -nor bold. He appeared neither surprised -nor bewildered. I did not note the confused -air, which I could reasonably expect. He -met my gaze with the honest, frank look -that I first noticed, but he seemed sad, even -painfully. He was such a small boy. He -evidently was what is so rarely found—a -gentleman. I almost exclaimed as he stood -in the doorway, for I noticed the way he -held his cap; Beau Brummell in his most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> -happy days could not have done better, and -the bow with which he answered my ‘good -evening,’ as well as the response to my asking -him to take a chair, made me say to -myself, ‘Adams, you must look out, or this -little bootblack will leave you leagues rearward -in the manner question!’ His hair -was dark, very glossy, and slightly curly. -His face and hands almost shone with cleanliness. -I especially noticed his nails, and, -knowing his business, was surprised to find -that they, also, were quite clean. His -height was decidedly small for his age (he -did not really seem to grow much until he -was about seventeen years old, and then -how he shot up! he is just six feet tall -now); his clothes were not patched, but -threadbare and ragged. The material was -fine. His trousers only came to his knees, -and both shoes and stockings were visibly -the worse for wear. He was not a pretty -boy, but a manly-looking little fellow. His -complexion was fair, but pallid; indeed, -the boy wore a starved, pinched look. His -jacket, which was buttoned with brass buttons -to the neck, hung on him, as if he had -grown thinner since it was made. So much -for my photograph. Now for our conversation, -which will give you a better idea of -the boy, than if only using my own words.</p> - -<p>“‘Good evening, my little man.’</p> - -<p>“‘Good evening, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘You blackened my boots so well this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> -morning, I thought I would like to talk with -you about your business to-night.’</p> - -<p>“‘Thank you, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘How long have you been a bootblack?’</p> - -<p>“‘Seven weeks.’</p> - -<p>“‘Have you made much money?’</p> - -<p>“‘I make more now than at first, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘How much is the most you have made -a week?’</p> - -<p>“‘Last week, sir, I made ninety-five -cents.’</p> - -<p>“‘How much is the least you ever -made?’</p> - -<p>“‘Fifteen, sir; that was my first week, -when I was new in the business.’</p> - -<p>“‘You live with your parents, I suppose?’</p> - -<p>“‘No, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘Don’t live with your parents? Whom -do you live with?’</p> - -<p>“‘With myself.’</p> - -<p>“‘You, a little midget like you, live by -yourself! Where do you sleep?’</p> - -<p>“‘Wherever I can find a place.’</p> - -<p>“‘Where did you sleep last night?’</p> - -<p>“‘You won’t tell, sir, if I tell you?’</p> - -<p>“‘No.’</p> - -<p>“‘Well, I’ve slept for three nights, now, -in a covered wagon. It has been left outside, -and, some way, no one has ever seen -me crawl into it. Please don’t tell any one, -sir. I really don’t hurt the wagon.’</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> - -<p>“‘But why don’t you go home? Do -your parents drink?’</p> - -<p>“‘I have no home, sir; my parents are -dead; they are both in heaven.’ And then -the little hands hastily undid the few top -buttons of his jacket, and untied a black -shoe lace which served as a chain. Then, -stepping nervously towards me, he said; -‘Would you like to see mamma’s picture?’</p> - -<p>“I tell you what, sir, this action, united -to the boy’s words, unmanned me. ‘John -Adams,’ I asked myself, ‘you’ll befriend -this boy?’ And John Adams answered, ‘I -will.’</p> - -<p>“The picture was painted on porcelain, -a medallion resting on dark blue velvet; -the whole was framed in a band of narrow -gold. The woman was a blonde, delicate -looking, but very beautiful. She had an intellectual -face, and seemed of good birth. -In age about twenty-five years.</p> - -<p>“‘Has your mother been dead long?’ I -next asked.</p> - -<p>“‘She died when I was born, and I am -ten years old. Papa gave me her picture, -and I always wear it. I would starve, sir, -but I would never part from it.’ I am sure -the boy has it on now, but I would not like -to ask him to show it to you. He is sensitive, -and I would not risk hurting him.”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed, I would not have you, if -you were ever so willing. And what more, -Mr. Adams? It is well I did not know of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> -this while he was in college; I am afraid I -should have spoiled him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I asked him if he had brothers or -sisters. His reply was—</p> - -<p>“‘I had one brother; he died a year ago.’</p> - -<p>“‘How long since your father died?’</p> - -<p>“‘Eight weeks, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘And you started at the boot-blacking -business one week later?’</p> - -<p>“‘Yes, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘What was your father’s business?’</p> - -<p>“‘When he was in business, he was a -stockbroker.’</p> - -<p>“‘A stockbroker!’ I exclaimed, although -I was positive before, judging from his -mother’s picture, that he was born above -his present position. ‘And you say there -was a time when your father was not in -business. How long ago was that?’</p> - -<p>“‘The last two years of his life, after he -became blind.’</p> - -<p>“‘Tell me all about it, my good boy.’</p> - -<p>“‘My father, sir, must have made a great -deal of money; we lived in such a handsome -house.’</p> - -<p>“‘As handsome as this?’</p> - -<p>“Looking around before he replied,—</p> - -<p>“‘Oh, yes, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘You say your mother was dead. Who, -then, kept house for you?’</p> - -<p>“‘Mrs. Prentiss, our housekeeper. I had -a nurse first, Nurse Ann, and when I got -to be a big boy, I had a governess. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> -taught me to read, write, and all I know. -I have never been to school. We had several -servants, and my father kept horses. -It was the house in which mamma died, -and everything, papa said, must be as she -kept house. But, one day, I know not how -it happened, my father lost a great deal of -money, and a lot of strange people came to -the house, and almost all of our beautiful -things were sold. All the servants left but -one, and my governess. Papa and I lived -then in a few rooms. I used to hear papa -talk about his eyes, at that time, and one -day he went to see a doctor about them. -When he came back he told me: ‘My son, -I am going to be blind,’ and then explained -to me exactly what that meant. He told -me that the reason he would be blind was -because he had used too much tobacco. -My father smoked a great many cigars -every day, and sometimes a pipe. He -chewed tobacco too. I felt frightened when -I heard all of this, and I remember I cried -and papa comforted me. He afterwards -asked me to repeat these words after him. -‘My papa was blind. His optic nerves -were hurt because he used too much tobacco. -I will never smoke or chew.’ My -papa had me repeat these words until I knew -them perfectly, and then I said them once -every day to him until he died. I say them -every day to myself now. My papa became -blind very soon after we left our home,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> -and about six months before he died he was -sick most of the time. My governess left -one day, and then I had no more lessons. -And almost every day our things would be -sold, until, when papa died, we had most -nothing left. About a week after he was -buried, some men came to our rooms, and -then our girl left, and the men told me I -must go too. I could not live there any -more. They gave me my clothes, and one -of the men gave me a dollar. I cried so -hard that another man said he would take -me home with him, and I could stay two -or three nights at his house until I could get -some work and make money for myself. -That was why I became a bootblack. -This man told me it was a good business, -and, because I was so little and did not -know what to do, the man and his wife made -me a present of my outfit and told me -to watch other bootblacks and cry out: -“Shine, shine,” and so get business. The -man gave me his boots to black while I -stopped at the house and that taught me the -way, for I never had blackened boots before. -I stayed with these kind people for -one week, and since then I have taken care -of myself.’</p> - -<p>“‘Have you no relations?’</p> - -<p>“‘None I have ever seen. The day before -papa died, he told me I was soon to be -all alone in the world, that I had no relatives, -and then he said: “Your relatives are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> -all dead, my son, or dead to you.” That is -all I know, sir.’</p> - -<p>“My heart ached for the child as he finished, -and I thought, let the consequence be -what it would, he should not leave my house -that night. I asked him his name.</p> - -<p>“‘Orrin Thorndyke,’ was the reply.</p> - -<p>“I told him he was to remain overnight -with me, and that to-morrow I would investigate -his story. This he readily did. He -seemed to be satisfied to do exactly as he -was told; he had evidently not yet gotten -away from the manner of obeying his father. -I think I told you he was prematurely old; -his strange life had made him so. That -night I scarcely slept, so full of plans was I -for the future. As you know, I have always -been a bachelor with plenty of money and -no relatives who will ever need help through -me. Before morning I decided that, if on -investigation I found the bootblack’s story -correct, I would at once adopt him and do -for him as I would for an only son. This I -have conscientiously tried to do, and, coming -in and out of this house as the friend -you are, I trust you think I have done -right.”</p> - -<p>“You certainly have.”</p> - -<p>“I have noticed your admiration for my -boy, and I have been very glad of it; and -how well I remember the first time you saw -him! You said I was to be congratulated -in having for my protégé such a manly little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> -fellow, and then you added, ‘Blood is sure, -Adams, and I give up judging forever after, -if good blood is not in this boy’s veins.’ -Of course, when the child became mine, I -wanted him to bear my name, but you -never knew before that the Orrin Thorndyke -part was his own. Some way, I could not -ask him to part with it altogether, and so I -had mine simply added.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, what a man you are; it takes time -to know you, Adams. And at last, I have -found out why you so suddenly gave up -smoking.”</p> - -<p>“That is a fact. How could I smoke -with that child’s story running not only in -my ears, but through my heart? But what -do you think of Orrin smoking three cigars -every day!”</p> - -<p>“Surely, you are joking!”</p> - -<p>“No; I will tell you how he does it. -When he was fourteen years of age, I gave -him a monthly allowance, because I wished -him to early learn the management of -money. One day, shortly after, he came to -me with the question, would I permit him -to set aside the value of three five-cent -cigars a day, and when the amount would -reach five dollars he desired to put it in the -bank and so open a smoking account. He -also said he would regularly add to this -amount as he could accumulate five dollars, -and that he would not withdraw the money, -but allow it to increase both principal and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> -interest until he was thirty years of age, at -which time he and I could decide what -would be done with it. This I readily agreed -to do. And now that he has been ‘smoking,’ -as he puts it, three five-cent cigars -every day for eight years, the amount already -in the bank, at four per cent. interest, -is not a small one. Why, in the first year, -without interest, he saved nearly fifty-five -dollars!”</p> - -<p>“If only I had tried that scheme when I -was fourteen years old, I would be a rich -man now,” replied the President; “however, -it is not yet too late to start the plan -with my grandchildren.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>BREAKFAST-TABLE DECORATION.</h2> - - -<p>“Mabel!”</p> - -<p>“Well, mamma!”</p> - -<p>“Come to breakfast, dearie.” The call -was given through the wide lattice which -opened on the garden. And at once the -little girl obeyed the summons.</p> - -<p>And what a charming picture was given -when the child presented herself in the half-open -doorway, with her big blue eyes, -the blue of the sky overhead, cheeks that -rivalled the peach blossom’s rich redness, -and lips wide parted, with the merry laugh -that rippled over and over the upturned face; -for at that moment she was bubbling beyond -control with mischief and sparkle, partly on -account of the buoyancy of the early morning -atmosphere, but mostly because of the raid -she had made on the morning-glory vines, -as her laden hands and arms could testify.</p> - -<p>“I haven’t struck the right combination -yet,” were her mother’s words, at the same -time touching a majolica dish of flowers that -served as ornament for the breakfast-table.</p> - -<p>“Well, <i>I have!</i> An idea has just sprung on -me, seized me, as it were! Stand still where -you are, little sister, until Tom comes back<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> -again,” and then away the boy flew, in his -clumsy energy tripping over an ottoman -that was always at Mabel’s place at table, -because she was not yet tall enough to put -her feet on the floor.</p> - -<p>It seemed but a second when he returned -with a cut-glass bowl in his hands, filled -within one-third of the top with fresh, cold -water; and with an air of triumph he removed -the majolica dish, depositing the bowl -in its stead.</p> - -<p>Then, going to the little girl, who had -stood motionless in obedience to her big -brother’s command, and with the words, -“Let Tom have some of your pretty -flowers,” he took first one and then another. -The color values, as she held the morning-glories, -appealed to him, there was such richness -of reds, purples, lavenders and white, -with their many intermediate shades, which -blended softly with the green leaves, vines -and tendrils. When he had taken enough -to fill, not crowd the bowl, there were many -exclamations of satisfaction, for all was -harmony. The white tablecloth was a fitting -background to the variety of color, and -the delicate, graceful flowers gave such a -pleasant welcome at this first meal of the new -day.</p> - -<p>Morning-glories should be oftener used -for the breakfast-table. Try what you can -do with them, boys and girls, and thus give -a pleasant surprise to your mother. Another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> -pretty table decoration would be to plant -woodland vines, and also ferns, oxalis, and -pretty wild grasses in an ornamental piece -of earthenware, one that would add beauty -to the dinner-table.</p> - -<p>Take such a piece to the country with you, -and remember to fill it with forest mould before -you put in the woodland plants; it will -be most pleasing, and prove a joy all winter -if you will properly water it; that is, keep it -wet, not soggy.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>HOW THEY PLANTED THE NASTURTIUMS.</h2> - - -<p>Such a clamor of voices reached grandma’s -ears that her first thought was that the children -must have the garden, at the very least, -half filled with their schoolmates. But when -the old lady rose from her big armchair to -take a sharp look around from the window, -she was amazed to learn that all the confusion -was made by her two happy, healthy -grandchildren Margaret and Marshall, and -they were as busy as could be, planting and -fussing over nasturtium plants.</p> - -<p>“See us, grandma,” were the pleasant if -imperative words when they saw their -grandmother with her head stretched out as -far as possible, looking first one way and -then another.</p> - -<p>“See you? Well, I should say I did, and -what are you doing with that old umbrella -frame, Marshall?” was the questioning response.</p> - -<p>“Getting ready for our nasturtiums,” and -the boy tossed his head laughingly towards -a large quantity of the golden brown blossoms, -digging energetically all the while,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> -though, as if moments were more precious -than he could tell.</p> - -<p>As grandma was anxious to learn all about -the planting, first Marshall and then Margaret -told her just what they were about to -do. The gardener at the Jenkins place explained -what he did. “And I never saw -nasturtiums look as pretty before,” said -Margaret, with a sedate shake of her head. -“Besides, it is an altogether new idea, not -the old sort of a thing that everybody knows. -It commences by planting an umbrella -frame, putting the handle deep enough down -not to break off with the first strong wind, -or with the weight of vines, either, in case -they should grow a trifle heavier on one -side than the other, though, of course, this -we will try to prevent. The umbrella should -not be put in a corner, but in an open bed, -where people can walk all around it. This -frame of ours has eight sticks, and at each -one we will plant a root. And we are going -to plant two at the handle, one on -either side, and not close enough to crowd -each other. As the vines grow, they will -be trained up the handle and along the sticks, -making the effect of a diminutive tent, and -while this old frame is rather an ungainly -sight at present, in a few weeks the bed will -be simply gorgeous.</p> - -<p>“Oh, they are so pretty!” Margaret continued, -lightly and fondly touching the -bright flowers, “such a variety of shades,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> -yellow, orange, even to a deep brown, and -the vine is willing to wind any way we will; -it is naturally graceful, with just enough -foliage and not too much. Why, the old -frame will be the prettiest thing in all the -country around.”</p> - -<p>“I only hope our neighbors will not -watch and try the same thing for themselves,” -was Marshall’s interjection.</p> - -<p>“They probably will not before next -summer,” was grandma’s assuring comment, -“and then your nasturtium umbrella would -be one year old.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>A GARDEN PARTY.</h2> - - -<p>Dinners, receptions, and concerts have -been attended through the winter until -everybody is tired of the old routine; but entertainment -which is associated with trees, -flowers, gorgeous sunsets, out-of-door life, -touches the heart and makes of every such -occasion a real joy.</p> - -<p>How shall we give a <i>fête champêtre?</i></p> - -<p>A lawn is a necessity, and should the -trees not prove sufficiently exclusive, surround -the grounds with canvas. The canvas -may be concealed with boughs of -green, running vines, flags, banners, or -anything that will lessen its ugliness. The -entire grounds must be decorated. Japanese -lanterns might be used freely; several -hundreds of them will be required, as they -should be liberally scattered everywhere—not -only in the grounds, on the trees or -canvas serving as fence, but on the piazzas -of the house.</p> - -<p>A good orchestra should be hidden behind -a clump of balsam or other bushy -trees. The leader should be untiring in his -efforts to give enough and desirable music. -If ballads are sung, the orchestra leader is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> -responsible for the accompaniment, and he -is equally responsible for the dances, should -such be given. The air should be filled -with music, but to the pleasure and not the -annoyance of guests.</p> - -<p>Conversation and music are always important -factors of entertainment; but to -these an extravaganza may be added, or a -play—for example, the whole or part of <i>As -You Like It</i>, or <i>A Midsummer Night’s Dream</i>.</p> - -<p>Should <i>As You Like It</i> be given, screen a -section of the lawn to represent the Duke’s -palace. A conversation-room may readily -be arranged. Remove one or more screens -and see a room, the ceiling of which would -be the sky; the side walls folding screens, -which may be adjusted to any shape and -size; the floor would be the grass covered -with rugs. On these rugs stand a few -chairs, a couch, and a small table. With -such surroundings, altogether at home would -Celia seem, while she would say:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“Why, cousin; why Rosalind;—</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Cupid have mercy!—Not a word?”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The many songs, especially “Under the -Greenwood tree” and “What shall He have -that killed the Deer?” would prove very -appropriate in the forest of Arden environment, -and the trees would be quite in place -for the love-verses of Orlando.</p> - -<p>Or the guests might be served with a literary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -salad. Paste or draw pictures on cards -to illustrate the title of a book, and give one -to each person. Whoever shall make a -correct guess without assistance within fifteen -minutes may be presented with a wreath -of laurel. This may be worn on the head or -carried on the arm.</p> - -<p>Sometimes a <i>fête champêtre</i> is given for -sweet charity. It then assumes a different -phase, as booths, chalets, or tents are erected, -within which saleable articles are offered. -An effective fête might be given in athletic -grounds, which should be noticeably gay -with streamers of bunting and little and -big flags. At such a fête a large orchestra -should play the entire afternoon.</p> - -<p>It would be very attractive if those in -charge of the chalets would represent milkmaids, -as this allows picturesque apparel. -The young ladies might go bareheaded, or -wear a gay handkerchief coquettishly knotted -under their braids or curls, or cover -their heads altogether by donning the new -lawn sunbonnet, which is such a dainty -feature of this summer’s outing.</p> - -<p>The chalets should be small lean-tos, their -roofs tilting towards the back and resting on -four poles, one at each corner. These chalets -should be festively trimmed, and contain -such products as milk, cream, cheese, and -eggs. As these are all necessities in housekeeping, -the financial result should be quite -large.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p> - -<p>Gowns and hats, flounces and ribbons, -form a conspicuous part of a <i>fête champêtre</i>. -Sheer grenadines, nets, and gauzes, clouds -of Valenciennes lace, beflowered organdies, -any of the effective summer costumes, the -more fetching the combination the more -satisfactory the attire. The color contrasts -are allowed to a greater extreme than for -street apparel, and brilliant colors produce -a smart effect on the lawn; and yet the -dainty white, yellow, pink, or blue fabrics -may be always afterwards worn to advantage, -they are so fresh and youthful.</p> - -<p>The smart costume requires the broad-brimmed -hat coquettishly rolled, and massed -with lilacs, morning-glories, sweet-pease, -roses, or carnations, and the often added -long ribbon streamers. But the flower -toque, and the parasol of white mousseline -de soie trimmed with flowers and a flounce of -lace, and the pretty or quaint fan, aid the -charming gown in producing an artistic -effect.</p> - -<p>The guests arrive in pony carriages, high -carts, or victorias, and the closed brougham, -like an old friend, is always admissible. -The host and the hostess seem especially -cordial, standing, as they do, under the -broad branches of a tall tree. Indeed, stern -Madam Propriety would deem such warmth -of welcome scarcely permissible under a -lighted chandelier. But if, as it has been -known to happen, the day of the fête should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> -also be the day of the worst storm of the -entire season, the guests are received, if possible, -on the piazza, and all aid in making -merry and helping the hostess to such an -extent that people forget that a <i>fête champêtre</i> -was ever considered, and that it was -not meant to be a house party from the -beginning. Of course no one should allude -to the weather; that would be decidedly -out of form, and be very unkind to the -hostess, who certainly cannot stop the -storm.</p> - -<p>In such a shaping of events refreshments -are served in-doors, if possible using the -same little tables intended for the lawn, the -cloths, which are edged about with ferns -and field-flowers in variety, added to the -pretty china and cut glass used in serving -the menu, lend the charm of beauty.</p> - -<p>The menu for such a function may be the -same as that given at an evening reception, -or it may be the simple refreshment provided -for an afternoon tea, with an added -salad or ice. But as an afternoon spent in -the open air gives good appetite, liberal refreshment -will be in order.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>THE KING’S CHILDREN.</h2> - - -<p>“Pearly! Pearly!”</p> - -<p>It was a woman’s shrill voice that fiercely -shrieked the name out into the morning -air.</p> - -<p>We were homeward bound from the Old -Red Spring in Saratoga, when we were arrested -by her screams. The sun shone -brightly, the robins and other song birds -were trilling out their sweetest melodies, the -air was heavily scented with white clover -blossoms and sweetbrier. It was a rarely -beautiful July morning. All the world to -us was melody, save the jar made by this -thin, haggard, unkempt woman. In her -effort to be heard she travelled along the -road in the direction she thought Pearly -must have gone, crushing the daisies and -buttercups down before her.</p> - -<p>Two Sabbaths before we had sat at the -communion table, and then felt a kinship to -all, that our brothers and sisters were not -only those of our very own by ties of blood, -but were close to us the round world over. -The Sabbath before, as the clergyman said, -“freely ye have received, freely give,” we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -thought more of the giving of ourselves than -of our money, more of letting others have -a share of the good gifts that had been our -lot, joy, music, loving-kindness generally, -than of offering our filthy lucre. Indeed, it -seemed a great descent, for we had been -taken up on the moment by our pastor’s -tender words, and now must remember -Vanity Fair and the necessity for money in -this worldly world. And so thinking, this -woman with the wild, disagreeable voice, -stopped us; and should we not do something -to help her, was the question put to -ourselves.</p> - -<p>She was one of the resident Saratogians. -Cross, possibly, because she was tired; haggard, -because she had no time for rest. To -her the Spring waters were as a myth, and -the dry, bracing air little considered in her -work-a-day existence. We, therefore, turning -in the direction in which this woman -went, commenced our search for the little -girl, for such we decided she was, but all in -vain. Whether Pearly, familiar to the harsh -voice and recognizing extra work or disagreeable -duty as a result of coming to the -front, had hidden behind the large clumps -of elderberry bushes which grew thickly -around, or had run off to the woods for -protection, we know not; we only know that -we had to leave the woman to conclude her -search alone. But the words, “Pearly! -Pearly!” now and again caught our ear,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> -though indistinctly, as the distance widened -between us, and later we lost the sound altogether. -Then it was that another Pearly -came into our thought.</p> - -<p>She had been baptized Margaret; but the -old-fashioned long name had been shortened -during her babyhood to the beautiful name, -“Pearl.” She has always been loving and -lovable, and always seemed consecrated, -even from her cradle. Many of the wise -people have often gravely said of her, “That -child can never live to grow up. She is too -good.” But she has lived to grow up, and, -nothing happening, in a year or two more -she will be graduated from one of our most -respected women’s colleges. She, even as -a little child, never had to be punished. -“Pearl, that is wrong; you should not act -or speak that way,” was the most serious -chiding she ever needed to receive; for -when told she had done wrong, she would -immediately say, “I will try never to do -that again.” And she invariably would -keep her promise.</p> - -<p>As a schoolgirl she is a general favorite, -being popular enough to receive the unanimous -vote for class president, for Pearl is a -sunny, bright, sympathetic girl. The truly -good are always the truly happy. Her -religion is of the character to attract, not to -repel. And possibly there are nowhere to -be found keener or more severe critics than -schoolgirls are of one another. The long-faced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> -piety, as it is sometimes called, would -receive from them only ridicule and contempt. -The abandon of youth is not slow -in exposing what they consider trustless and -wrong.</p> - -<p>But my story would be too long to tell -many incidents in the life of Pearl; to tell -the many ways she has helped all with -whom her short life of eighteen years has -brought her in contact; to tell of her sympathetic -words, helpful handclasp, feet -swift to run on deeds of kindness, voice -raised in song, thus aiding others in the -schoolroom, the prayer-meeting or the -home. Indeed, Pearl was constantly forming -new ties, thus binding the hearts of all -who met her to herself.</p> - -<p>The incident of which I would particularly -write is her work as a King’s Daughter. -She was one of the earliest to join this organization, -and the first band she formed -was to pay for the education of a young -girl in the same school as herself. This -young girl was the only child of a rich -father, but it was the old story—a dishonest -partner used the firm’s money for speculating -purposes, and in an evil hour all was -gone; not only money, but reputation also, -and Elsie, the only child, must now leave -school, it seemed, forever. Then it was -Pearl came to the rescue; and first binding -her ten to secrecy, because it would wound -Elsie to ever know, it was arranged with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> -the President and officers of the school that -this band should pay for Elsie’s schooling; -and she will graduate with Pearl, all unconscious -of the one to whom she is indebted.</p> - -<p>Elsie’s father was notified by the school -President that his daughter was too much -beloved not to have an opportunity to -finish her education. If he was ever able -to refund the money, all right, if not, it was -still all right; and this is all Elsie or her -father know.</p> - -<p>Since then Pearl has started nine other -bands, each doing noble work for Christ and -humanity. With only one of these is she -herself connected. It every year supports -ten poor, aged women, who otherwise -would be obliged to go to the almshouse. -By the help of this King’s Daughters’ Band -these women remain in their own little -homes, passing the hours as their desires -dictate, and not feeling the pain which -Will Carleton so vividly describes in his -poem, “Over the Hills to the Poorhouse.” -No wonder that these poor old women -frequently ask God’s blessing on these young -girls, for they are so comfortable and happy -as they thus quietly wait for the summons -to the other home whose builder and maker -is God. And no wonder that Pearl wears -a happy face, for the face indicates the -heart within. The good she has done, and -may yet do, will never be known here, nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> -is it necessary. Sufficient for Pearl will be -the words which we hope will also be ours -some day, “Enter thou into the joy of thy -Lord.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>FOR THE BOYS.</h2> - - -<p>Why should not the boys be as busy and -helpful as the girls?</p> - -<p>Why should not the boys form their “Try -Bands,” “Working Circles” and “King’s -Sons’ Societies?”</p> - -<p>There is no reason. Will not, therefore, -the willing, manly boys who read this enlist -their friends to help at least one of their -heathen brothers to a Christian education? -It is work that will give abundant reward.</p> - -<p>American boys know how much care is -taken for their education. Not only are their -teachers, but their mothers, fathers, brothers -sisters and other relatives, their constant -instructors. The greatest culture and opportunity -surround them; valuable libraries -are ever at their disposal. There are numberless -free schools, art rooms and museums. -Beside the private academies, institutes, and -colleges, there are Young Men’s Christian -Association rooms, Christian Endeavor -Societies, churches and Sunday-schools, all -open and giving hearty welcome. Not so -are the privileges of the boys in India, -China and Japan. For though the Bible -and our missionaries have done a great deal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> -to help the heathen boy, his surroundings -are dark indeed, in contrast with those of -children in Christian lands. Indeed, it is -rare that a heathen boy is not a castaway -by his family when he confesses Christ. -Instead of relatives being a help to his life, -they are among his greatest sorrows.</p> - -<p>Boys ought to be willing to give other -boys a chance, especially when they stand -alone. If ten boys would form a band, they -could easily collect thirty dollars a year, and -thirty dollars would pay all the yearly expenses -of a boy in a mission school or -academy. This academy prepares boys for -the theological seminary, and the seminary -fits them for the ministry. Indeed, when in -the academy, boys often go out to talk and -sing to those who do not know of Christ. -They feel sure that their heathen friends are -missing so much in not knowing Jesus, that -they cannot wait until they have completed -their studies; but as soon as they know -about Jesus themselves they are impatient -to tell others. They can talk to their friends -with greater effect than missionaries from -this country, because they understand their -customs and ways. Besides, the terrible -heat in India does not affect them as it does -people who go from this country. Very -often our missionaries and their families have -to return to America on account of their -health.</p> - -<p>Some of the boys in India are very bright.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> -I will tell you of one who is about fifteen -years of age, and is a student in the Arcot -Academy, India. His name is Joseph, son -of the catechist Israel; his mother’s name -is Rachel. You will notice they are all -Bible names. This family were once -heathen, but now all know and love Christ, -and are happy in working for Him. I lately -had the pleasure of reading a letter written -and composed by Joseph, without any aid -from his instructors. I wish it were possible -for my boy readers to see his penmanship; -it seemed nearly as perfect as copperplate. -Each letter was very distinct and prettily -shaded. Every word was spelled correctly, -and while his composition had not the exact -style we would use, it was very direct and -intelligible. I doubt if many American -boys of Joseph’s age could do better with a -French or German letter, or in writing in -any other language than their own. Thinking -you might be interested in hearing from -Joseph, particularly as he tells of what he -does on the Sabbath, and of his school life, -I will quote directly from his letter:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<div class="right"> -“<span class="smcap">Madras Presidency</span>, Ranipet, India. -</div> - -<div class="unindent">“<span class="smcap">Most Respected and Kind Madam</span>:</div> - -<p>“My superiors, teachers and fellow-students -are doing well up to this time by the -grace of our Almighty, hoping the same for -you....</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I solicit you, dear madam, pray for me -that I may obey my superiors; I don’t like -to have the name of our Lord Jesus Christ -in vain. But I want to publish His name.</p> - -<p>“Every Sunday we all go over the -country and preach about the Gospel. -Many of the heathen become Christians.</p> - -<p>“There are eight bands in the school. -When we are going to preach, each band -will take three or four lyrics, some tracts, a -cymbal, and a jalar or tambourine. When -we are singing many men and women and -children will come to hear us.</p> - -<p>“After our preaching is over we take account -of the men, women and children who -come to hear our preaching. Most of them -will ask questions, and we will answer them. -Many of them will abuse the name of our -Lord Jesus Christ. Though they abused -Him, we won’t leave these men, since they -don’t understand what Christ has done for -the world. We have meeting every Friday -evening, and in that meeting we will give -our reports of the men who heard the Word -of Christ.”</p></div> - -<p>Referring to his studies, he writes:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Now there are four classes, viz., matriculation -class, the fifth class, the lower secondary -class, and the lower fourth class. -There are five teachers, including our manager. -Each class changes its lessons after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> -one hour. Our manager teaches general -English for the four classes, and also -takes English history for the fifth class, and -science, physics and chemistry for the sixth -class. He shows many good examples and -gives us good games. He is very kind toward -us. We have many sorts of games. -Tennis and football and cricket and gymnasium -exercises. Our manager teaches us -cricket every evening.”</p></div> - -<p>As this boy is writing to the one who -supports him, he closes in the following -manner:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I thank the Lord for having given me a -supporter. I render my warm and delightful -obeisance to respected and dear madam. -I remain your most obedient</p> - -<div class="right">“<span class="smcap">Ponnor Isaac Joseph</span>.”</div></div> - -<p>After reading this letter, which is not a -fancy sketch, picture in your mind Joseph, -his surroundings, a young Hindoo boy, -whose dark-skinned face glows enthusiastically -with his love for Christ and with his -ardent desire to tell others of his love, writing -in a strange tongue to a lady whom he -has never seen. He has her photograph, and -has received letters from her, but her voice -and manner are only conjectures in his -mind. He is writing to this lady, who has -been the means of his salvation, of freeing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> -him from his yoke borne by his countrymen. -Try to picture this, and then see if in your -own heart there is not a strong desire to free -more than one boy in that dark land. In -freeing one, you free others: do not forget -that.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>“I WISH I WERE A GENERAL.”</h2> - - -<div class="poetry-container"> - <div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">“If wishes were horses,</div> -<div class="verse"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Beggars might ride.”</span></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“Have you ever heard that, Jo?”</p> - -<p>“<i>Heard</i> it, what kind of a bringing up has -a fellow had, do you think? You know well -enough that ever since I was in knickerbockers, -that immortal rhyme has been -drilled into me. I’m sick and tired of sermonizing, -and all I have to say is, if you -don’t wish for something grand, something -beyond you, you never will amount to -anything.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, Jo, but wishing without -action will not accomplish much. I’ve -heard you make at least twenty wishes this -morning. One, ‘I wish I was rich!’ just -as though that were anything new; all boys -wish that. Then you wished you were -somebody great, somebody famous, like -Cæsar or the Czar of Russia, or the President -of the United States. Then you wished -your father could only let you have a college -education so that you might be a -lawyer. And then, to go on to smaller -matters, you wished it was Christmas, so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> -that you might have vacation. And lastly, -you wished you were a fine bicycle rider, so -that you might win the prize in the coming -race. I tell you, old fellow, I long ago -learned such a wholesome lesson on the -wishing point, that it made me over new, -so to speak.”</p> - -<p>“How so, John? now I am interested, -for I thought you had been perfect from -your youth up.”</p> - -<p>“Well, to begin with the beginning and -make an out-and-out confession, I’ll have to -introduce you to my Uncle Charles. I wish -you knew General Journay; I know you -would like him even if he is an odd-looking -man; he was once very handsome. He is -too sensible to think he is handsome now, -though, for there is no denying that he’s fat. -He says it is constitutional, and maybe it -is. I notice he is very uncomfortable, short -of breath, you know; gets a red face in -climbing up the stairs to the elevated road, -and all that, but he’s jolly and good, and -says he wants me to be a manly man, and -I am going to try my best to please him. -You know I am not as rich in relations as -you are, for my parents died when I was -a baby, and I never had either brothers or -sisters; perhaps that’s one reason I think so -much of you, Jo. Well, to go on with my -story, when I was about twelve years old I -went to visit for a week at my Uncle Charles’ -home. He was delighted to have me with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> -him, and I never tired of his companionship, -or of looking at his soldier’s uniform, his -sword and his medals. One day I said to -him, ‘Oh, Uncle, I wish I were a General,’ -and he replied, ‘There is no reason why -you cannot be one, my boy, if the right -material is only in you.’”</p> - -<p>“‘What do you mean by right material, -Uncle?’ I inquired.</p> - -<p>“‘Why, humility, obedience, courage, -honesty, truthfulness.’</p> - -<p>“‘I did not know that soldiers were ever -humble.’</p> - -<p>“‘You must be humble enough to enter -the lowest ranks, obedient enough to follow -orders, courageous enough to face any -emergency, honest enough to submit to -pain rather than to steal, and truthful enough -never to soil your lips or conscience with -a lie.’</p> - -<p>“Then my uncle told me of his own -boyhood, of his poverty, his hindrances, his -temptations; and I saw that the rank of -General did not come by wishing, but by -the greatest endurance, study, and hard -work. I tell you what, Jo, as I listened to -his story I felt so ashamed, and so small, I -thought I would like to crawl away in a -hole, anywhere almost, if I could only hide, -for you know my uncle is such a noble, -grand man. Then, too, my uncle told me -of our great inventors, officers, rulers, whom -the world is delighted to honor, and I saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> -that wishing had but little to do with their -achievements and successes. I saw I had -to buckle on my own armor and go to -work.</p> - -<p>“That night I could scarcely sleep; I -kept thinking how insignificant uncle must -think me, for I knew I had often wished -for this, that and the other thing in his -presence, and so when I did sleep I -dreamed that I was in the woods, and I -thought that all the bushes and trees were -waving, and one big branch seemed like a -long, bare arm beckoning to me. I felt an -awesome, queer, uncanny feeling, and I -was sure I was losing my way. I saw one -and another path, but which one to take I -knew not, when suddenly I heard a laugh; -this frightened me so much that I jumped; -then a voice said, ‘You little goosey-gander, -what a brave soldier you would make, to be -sure, afraid of a little laugh;’ and then I -heard ha! ha! ha! and what seemed to -me to be the most uproarious laughter, the -shout of a hundred fairies. Soon a tiny old -woman approached me saying, ‘I am a -fairy queen. Ask for whatever you may -wish while you are in my domain?’</p> - -<p>“At once I exclaimed: ‘I wish to be the -oldest General living.’ And there I was, a -general in very truth, but so old I could -scarcely see, so deaf I could scarcely -hear; and I was dressed in a costume -similar to my uncle’s. My hands were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> -wrinkled, a long beard hung over my breast, -but it was as white as snow. My mouth -felt so queer that I lifted my hand to discover -the reason, and alas! my teeth were -all gone. I tried to walk, but I was so stiff -I could scarcely place one foot before the -other. ‘Oh, what a fool I have been,’ I -thought. ‘If only I were a boy again? Oh, -Uncle Charles, Uncle Charles!’ I screamed.</p> - -<p>“‘Why, my boy, what is the matter, you -were groaning and moaning so in your -sleep, I thought something must be wrong?’ -were his words.</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t I grateful, though, to find it was -only a dream. It seemed too good to be -true, to learn that I was really a boy again, -that life was before, and not behind, me. -I tell you, Jo, I could scarcely wait for day -to come, to get at positive work. And since -that horrible nightmare, which taught me -the silliness of wishing, I have been a -changed boy, and I do not think I will ever -fall into that purposeless talk again. But -you don’t like sermons, excuse me, Jo.”</p> - -<p>“You are a good fellow, John; I should -not be worthy of friendship such as yours, -if I did not benefit by what you have told -me. I will try to follow your example. -What do you say to our both being manly -men?”</p> - -<p>“Those words have the right ring.” And -so saying the two friends walked off arm -in arm.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>A HEBREW CHRISTIAN.</h2> - - -<p>Sydney Arnheim was a Jew. I say was, -because he has thrown off the yoke of the -Jewish faith, and this little story will tell -you how it all came about.</p> - -<p>Sydney is an only child; his parents are -rich; his father, a famous Wall Street broker, -is a power among his kind; his mother also -belongs to a wealthy Hebrew family, and -her refined taste and education show clearly -in her surroundings. Anything that appeals -to her exquisite judgment is purchased, so -that Sydney’s home shows everywhere the -touch of elegance, as well as the fitness of -perfection. Sydney’s own room bears the -print of her careful taste, and yet prominent -among the rich hangings and delicate furnishing -you see a Winchester rifle, a trout -pole, also a buck’s antlers, a blue crane, a -kingfisher, and several other well-known -birds, all so skilfully prepared by the taxidermist -that you could scarcely be blamed -if you thought them yet alive. Yes, Sydney -is a regular boy, and loves to keep trophies -of his sport in sight, as well as his gun and -trout pole. He says at times, “It makes it -seem as if I’m in the Adirondack woods<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> -whenever I look at them, and simply lifting -my rod recalls some experiences with papa -in the boat with our guide, or else wading -the streams with my tutor and drawing out -big fish.” So Sydney’s mother, knowing the -comfort these recollections bring, allows her -son to place his sporting equipments just -where and as he pleases. Thus the room -has an odd, menagerie style of appearance. -And thus the home of this Israelitish family -everywhere tells of comfort and luxury.</p> - -<p>Sydney, from his babyhood, was carefully -trained in the customs and belief of his -people. His mother, so frequently his companion, -constantly talked about the greatness -of his lineage, and told him of the patriarchs, -legislators, warriors, singers and -prophets which were among the Hebrew -people. She also told him of Abraham and -Moses, and of the covenant with Abraham -at Jehovah-jireh, “In thy seed shall all the -nations of the earth be blessed,” and also -what the Lord said to Jacob at Bethel, “The -land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give -it, and to thy seed.” And she daily urged -her son to walk in the footsteps and keep -the covenants of his people, and always to -serve the Lord God of Israel. The rabbi -also would frequently visit their home, and -Sydney was accustomed to talk to him, as -well as to receive the old man’s instruction -and blessing. Sydney loved to hear from -him the stories of Moses, Aaron and Joshua;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> -of the Tishbite and his servant Elisha; of -Solomon and the temple; of the son of -Jesse, David, the sweet singer, and of the -promise of the Messiah to come.</p> - -<p>And so it was when Sydney had attained -his seventeenth year that when asked what -he would most like for his birthday-gift he -replied, “The education that will fit me the -most thoroughly to preach, not alone to my -people, but to win many erring ones, believers -in the ‘false Christ’ to turn to the -true faith.” He was at this time, therefore, -and for seven anxious, wearisome months -afterwards, the <i>Jewest</i> of all Jews, a devoted -follower of Moses, but not of the Lamb.</p> - -<p>About the time of the birthday above alluded -to, there came for a visit of three -months a cousin of Sydney, a little girl about -three years his junior. She, young as she -was, however, was a Christian, and had the -Easter previous publicly confessed Christ, -and united with the same church her parents -had long attended.</p> - -<p>The question might readily be asked, -“Since she was Sydney’s cousin, how was -it that she was not also a believer in the -Hebrew faith?” The reason is this. Her -mother was Sydney’s father’s sister, and -when very young, only seventeen years of -age, had surprised and grieved her family by -stating she was about to marry a gentleman -who was not of her religion. Many words -regarding the matter were exchanged at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> -the time, but they were useless in preventing -the marriage, and a year later she saddened -her parents yet more by renouncing -her Hebrew faith, and connecting herself -with the church of her husband. He was -a most exemplary gentleman, however, and, -notwithstanding his religion, his wife’s people -could not fail to have a most profound -respect for him. So, in time, the families -visited back and forth, but the topic of religion -was never introduced. Sydney’s father -would sometimes sigh wearily, when talking -of his sister, and say his hope was that -she would yet return to the belief of her -forefathers, and that in time all must be -well.</p> - -<p>So now the little Edith was to spend -many weeks with her Jewish relations, but -she had been told to be careful about her -attendance at church, and ever watchful of -her conduct, indeed to act in every way as -the child of the dear Christ whom she loved -so well. Her mother, however, before consigning -her to her brother’s care, simply -said to her, “I will pray for you, dear, that -your faith fail not,” and “Have no fear, -mamma,” was the sweet reply. “Jesus -will be with me in Uncle Nathan’s home, as -well as in my own. Perhaps He will even -have work for me to do there. You know Dr. -M—— last Sabbath morning talked to us on -the subject of missions, and said there were -many kinds, and while we should pray and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> -work for the foreign and domestic fields, we -must also remember those of our own household, -indeed, all everywhere, who do not love -the Saviour.” So Edith’s mother had no -fear for her child, and into the uncle’s home -there came a blessing, the measure of which -cannot be counted by any earthly rule or -computation, for who can measure the joy -of even one soul turned to the Saviour?</p> - -<p>Edith and Sydney were now great friends, -for while they had known each other always, -the constant companionship led to the -warmest friendship, and they were therefore -as good comrades as a boy and girl cousin -could well be. Neither religion nor any -topic bearing on it was ever discussed before -Edith. She never attended their church, -nor they hers. When the Sabbath came she -would always be accompanied to the church -door, and when the service was out some -member of the family would be found without -waiting to walk home with her, and -during her entire visit neither by word or -action was she allowed to feel she stood -apart from her Jewish relations, and therefore -the time passed all too rapidly onward. -She remembered her promise to her mother, -and most earnestly she prayed to God to -direct and help her. She also prayed for -her uncle and aunt, imploring the Father in -heaven to lead them into the light; but -particularly she prayed for her cousin Sydney. -They were such comrades, so nearly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> -of an age, and yet she felt there was a great -gulf fixed, and therefore she constantly plead -that he might learn of the Christ, the Saviour.</p> - -<p>One day, just after a most fervent prayer -for Sydney, her cousin approached her unobserved -while she was reading from the -New Testament. He exclaimed, on seeing -the title, “Why, Edith, I never had a copy -of that book in my hands. I should like to -read yours sometime, if you don’t mind.”</p> - -<p>“Mind! why no, Sydney. Take it along -with you now.”</p> - -<p>And he did. When her cousin left, Edith -prayed as she never had before, beseeching -the Father to let the scales drop from his -eyes and show unto him the Christ. And -God did open the boy’s eyes. He did not -read through a glass darkly, but with clearest -vision. The brightest light fell on the -divine Word, the light which later led to his -giving up his old Hebrew faith, and his acceptance -of Jesus.</p> - -<p>All did not come at once. At the first reading -he was troubled, anxious, but not satisfied. -He had many old questions to settle; -he had much pride to put aside; he spent -many hours, and at times away into the -night in prayer. But peace at last came, -the peace which he feels will endure until -the day when he will see the King in His -beauty.</p> - -<p>And now Sydney longs for the conversion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> -of his parents, and of all of his people. -His wish is to preach Christ, and so -do all in his power to lead his brethren, the -Jews, unto the everlasting joy of the New -Jerusalem.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>THE BABY’S LESSON.</h2> - - -<p>It was blossom-time, and in the quiet of -the early May morning the church bells -rung out their loving call. “Come, come, -come!” they seemed to say, and, accepting -the invitation, we shortly found ourselves -sitting, with other strangers, in the Episcopal -church of a favorite resort.</p> - -<p>It was during the Scripture lesson that a -little maiden of about four years of age -quietly walked up the long aisle, looking to -right and left, scanning the faces in every -pew, until she had reached the chancel. -The clergyman’s voice was no doubt -familiar to her, for she showed no timidity. -Not seeing the one she sought, she turned -and tripped down the aisle again. But on -nearing the door she put out her hands and -extended her arms in a pleading baby fashion, -as if to say, “I do not want to go -away. I cannot find my papa or mamma, -but will not some one lift me up? I came -to church to stay.” And a kind-hearted -man, seeing the gesture, took up the baby -beside him.</p> - -<p>The little one reverently entered into the -worship of the hour. As prayer followed -prayer, the blue eyes closed tight, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> -wavy golden hair fell forward over the bent -head. At the time of singing she rose with -others, and her voice carolled out the tune, -though her words were those of her own -devising. One little hand tightly clasped -a penny, and as the collection-plate was -passed she eagerly dropped in her contribution.</p> - -<p>It was time to go home, and as nearly all -present were strangers, many watched to -see what the baby girl would do. A mother -by my side said to her, “I have a little girl -at home, about as big as you. I would not -want her to be lost, and if you will tell me -where you live I will take you home.” Then -a quiet dignity seemed to possess the wee -maiden, as with courteous action she pointed -to a large white house about one hundred -feet away. Lifting the blue eyes to the -lady’s face, she replied, “I live there. I -love to come to church, and I thought I -should find papa; he always goes, but”—gravely -shaking her curls—“I couldn’t find -him this morning. But I can go home by -my own self.” And then, child fashion, she -ran on, as though to satisfy us that she knew -the way.</p> - -<p>Walking under the apple boughs back to -the hotel, we thought of the sermon this -child’s presence had preached. And the -question came, Why do not all parents so -train their little ones that they love God’s -house? This little girl had given the congregation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> -a lesson which should make a -children’s day of every Sabbath the year -around. The Bible says, “Their angels do -always behold the face of the Father,” and -“Unless ye become as a little child, ye cannot -enter the kingdom.”</p> - -<p>Where young children sit side by side -with their parents in church, and so learn to -“remember the Sabbath day,” they will -early wish to consecrate their lives to Christ. -They will not enter heaven “so as by fire,” -but “as kings crowned,” for they will not -wait to work for the Master until the time -when the “grinders shall cease because they -are few, and those that look out of the windows -be darkened,” but will use the hours -of every day as in God’s sight, and in the -companionship of Him who is invisible.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>PARLOR FORTUNE-TELLING.</h2> - - -<p>Nothing so much lends enchantment to the -hours or wings them to merry flight as fortune-telling. -And particularly fascinating is -the art of foretelling the future through the -medium of palm-reading. When a bright -girl who has the faculty of revealing character -and prophesying the future by inspecting -the hand is in a drawing-room, the -hostess need not fear for the pleasure of her -guests, for the fair magician will take care -of beaux and belles alike, leading them on -to happy marriages and boundless wealth -(for no real fortune-teller ever forgets matrimony -and money). Nor will the young -people alone be anxious to learn what is -written in the palms of their hands, for more -or less superstition lingers with us all. And -what if there has been a small error regarding -character-reading, or a trifling discrepancy -relative to past events, one happy -guess will cause all such mistakes to be -forgotten: and besides, the necessity for -verification is seldom urgent. Palmistry is -not altogether pastime, any more than divination -is altogether jugglery, for no hand is -exactly like another hand; the intersection -of the lines, the stars, the mounts, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> -texture, really do supply a guide to the -character of the owner. And if, added to -the knowledge of hand-reading, you are a -student of the face—and every one is more -or less a physiognomist—you will arrive at -fairly correct conclusions.</p> - -<p>Palmistry is linked with astrology: the -first finger belongs to Jupiter, the middle to -Saturn, the third to the Sun, the small finger -to Mercury; Venus is in the thick part below -the thumb, the plain of Mars is directly -under the mount of Mercury, the moon controls -all beneath the kingdom of Mars. This -link between the planets and the hand was -arbitrary; astronomers distributed deities -among the planets, and the planets were -supposed to partake of the nature of the gods -and to influence life.</p> - -<p>Palmistry also depends on analogy and -symbolism. Every mark on the hand has -some mystical meaning. A star denotes -success, barred lines indicate obstacles; -where several parallel lines are formed instead -of one, they show a variety of pursuits, -instead of force only in one direction. -If lines are long, gently curved, and red, -they indicate a gentle disposition; if you -have a special talent, there will surely be a -perpendicular line from the base of the hand -toward the fingers; this line is sometimes -doubled. Long tapering fingers indicate -high mental qualities, a love of the arts, a -thirst for knowledge, and strength of memory,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> -while the contrary shows a tendency -to rapid progress at first, only to be followed -by failure in all intellectual undertakings. -People with short fingers are apt to be impulsive, -if they are very short, they indicate -lack of tact. Long-fingered people go into -detail, and are punctiliously careful about -trifles. Twisted fingers with short nails -show tyranny and a worrying temperament. -If the fingers fit closely together, their owner -is apt to be avaricious; if smooth, they indicate -indiscretion and talkativeness. But if -twisted and showing spaces between, the -person is sympathetic and generous. Sensitiveness -is shown by the small fleshy protuberances, -which stand out from the curved -surface of the finger-tips. If your fingers -are broad, you will love things for their -practical uses; your taste will be for industries, -mechanics, commerce. If your finger-tips -are square, you will be fond of literature, -logic, language, you will be inclined -to theorize, and you will have respect for -authority. The joints of the fingers have an -importance, so they too must be carefully -examined. Indeed, no one part of the hand -can be taken alone; a joint or a line or a -mount may so change the meaning of what -you have already observed, as to greatly -modify your conclusions. Conic fingers -show a love for the beautiful, the ideal and -romantic, but the well-developed joints may -add moral force, as also does a large thumb.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span> -Hands that are always white, regardless of -temperature, tell of selfishness and conceit, -lack of sympathy for the sorrows of others. -Soft hands tell of a lazy, lethargic temperament; -hard hands show a love of exercise -and labor. Soft hands indicate tenderness -rather than fidelity, while hard hands indicate -true love, but not much tenderness or -passion. Smoothness of the hands shows -delicacy of mind. A wrinkled hand, if soft, -shows sensitiveness; if hard, irritability. -Pale lines in a hand show a phlegmatic disposition, -in a man amounting to effeminacy.</p> - -<p>Each mount is of as much import as are -the indications found on the fingers. On -the mount of Jupiter you will learn of honor, -ambition, religion. If it is very large it -shows tyranny and ostentation; if small, -idleness, egoism, vulgarity. A cross found -on this mount will tell of a happy marriage; -if a star is found as well, the marriage will -be wealthy and satisfactory to the highest -degree. A spot on this mount shows ignominy -and dishonor.</p> - -<p>The mount of Saturn, which is at the base -of the second finger, tells of caution, credulousness, -timidity. If very large, the individual -will be melancholy, quiet, and morbid. -A solitary line on this mount indicates bad -fortune.</p> - -<p>The mount of the Sun, when prominent, -insures success, genius, pride, eloquence. -If the mount is extremely large, wealth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> -extravagance, luxury. A single line on this -mount means glory.</p> - -<p>Below the little finger on the outside of -the hand we look for the mount of Mercury, -and there learn of invention, speculation, -agility. Excess of this mount indicates -cunning, treachery, and falsehood.</p> - -<p>Below this mount we find Mars, which if -very prominent, shows the owner to be -brusque and violent; if it is small, look out -for cowardice and meanness.</p> - -<p>The mount of the Moon, which is found -lower still, denotes a love of the mysterious; -those possessing this mount to a high degree -are also inclined to revery, as well as to -idleness. They are likewise capricious, -changeful, and irritable. In hard hands you -will also read discontent and fanaticism.</p> - -<p>The most important of all the lines on the -hand is the line of life. If long, clear, and -straight, it shows long life and good character; -if pale and broad, the indications are -ill health and a weak disposition; if thick -and red, the owner is apt to be violent to -brutality; if varying in thickness, this will -show a fitful and high temper.</p> - -<p>The greatest caution must be used by any -reader of the hand, and before even a pretension -is made to judge character or to -foretell the future, much careful study of the -many books on this subject should be given. -The student must learn from different authorities, -as well as by thoughtful study and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> -comparison for himself. Many rules must -be applied, and there are many conflicting -forces to harmonize. The hand is of the -utmost importance in human economy. -Aristotle denominated it “the organ of the -organs.” After the murder of Cicero at -Caieta, not only his head but also his hands -were exhibited in the Roman Forum. The -homologies have been traced between the -human hand and the paws of the brute creation, -and it has been proved that to man -alone was the perfect hand given, exquisite -in beauty as well as paramount in usefulness.</p> - -<p>Palmistry is an old science. As early as -the year 1504 there was a book published in -the city of London on <i>The Art of Foretelling -the Future Events by Inspection of the Hand</i>. -It has been asserted that Homer wrote on -the lines of the hand. Probably most people -are familiar with the verse assigned by -the superstitions as Scriptural warrant for -indulging in this popular art: Job xxxvii. -7, “He sealeth the hand of every man, that -all may know his work.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>CHURCH COURTESY.</h2> - - -<p>It was only a smile as the Hymn-book -and Psalter were offered; it did not cost -the young man anything, but it gave us, the -recipients of his courtesy, pleasant satisfaction. -We did not feel as if the books were -grudgingly given, but rather that a sympathetic -bond had united us, that we would -like to know this cordial generous young -fellow, and thought if this were a sample -of the people in that church, we would like -to make it our home. The entire service -was so heightened by the incident that we -scarcely missed our old familiar surroundings, -and really had almost forgotten that -we were strangers, so one with us the people -appeared; and when the preacher later -gave for his text the words, “The greatest of -these is Love,” it seemed only natural that -this should have been the thought selected.</p> - -<p>By contrast, we felt severely the difference -which the following Sabbath brought. It -was again the early service, and we sat -strangers in another city church. The opening -hymn, which was not a familiar one, -was announced, and an old man sitting in a -pew behind gave us his book. Two young -men occupying the seat with him each had -a hymn-book with notes, but instead of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> -looking on the same book, so having one to -spare, they each selfishly kept their own, -neither offering one to the old gentleman -who, I later learned, had gone without for -our sake, nor giving a book to two ladies -who were in the pew with me, and were -strangers like ourselves. As a result, we all -felt uncomfortable; the clergyman’s sermon, -excellent though it was, did not meet with -proper response. Our thoughts were divided, -the atmosphere was unpleasant, we -claimed that the church seemed very cheerless, -that even the lighting of it was not satisfactory, -and, indeed, we were so unhappy -by the ungracious action of the two young -men back of us that we were glad when the -benediction was pronounced, and we could, -borrowing an illustration from the time of -the Apostles, shake the dust off our feet, and -turn toward home.</p> - -<p>The question is sometimes asked, Why -are there so many vacant pews in our -churches? And the blame is laid on the -hard-working minister. Well, his shoulders -are broad and accustomed to carrying burdens. -All the sorrows and annoyances of -the people become a part of his daily load. -But stop. Let us put the answer to this -question where it belongs, not on the minister, -but nine-tenths of the time on the congregation. -“Be not forgetful to entertain -strangers,” are the words of the Bible, and -we cannot go to a better book for advice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> -“Be courteous,” are also two words found -there.</p> - -<p>A young man, not a church-goer, once -said to me, “I wandered into Dr. L.’s church -the other morning, and I was shown into -one of the very best pews. Later the family -came, and they gave me every attention. -When the service was over, the gentleman -who sat at the head of the pew allowed his -family to pass out, and waited for me. -Then offering his hand, said he was very -glad I had been put in his pew, and he -hoped I would come to church again very -soon, every Sunday if I would, and then he -added, ‘Young man, don’t ask an usher for -a seat, come right in here with me any time.’</p> - -<p>“Now,” continued this young gentleman, -“that’s what I call business. I enjoyed -the service that morning, was not made -to feel as if I was an offscourer, but as if I -was welcome. I’ll go again soon; that’s -the right kind of a church. The singing -was beautiful, and I’m fond of music; the -sermon, too, touched the right place, but I -think what had more to do with it than anything -else, was that courteous family and -the hearty hand-shake afterwards.”</p> - -<p>We, neither of us, can weigh the influence -we have on our neighbor. Perhaps it is -better for our own peace we cannot. But -we must remember a smile may save a soul. -“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of -the least of these, ye have done it unto me.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2>A BRAVE BOY.</h2> - - -<p>“How shall our class raise one hundred -dollars for the benefit of the church-debt -fund?” was a question recently put to eight -young girls by their Sunday-school teacher.</p> - -<p>“Have a fair in the early fall; we will -work for it all summer,” was the first answer.</p> - -<p>“No; that might interfere with the ladies’ -fair, which comes during December. It is -to be a mammoth one this year, and we -must not anticipate the event nor risk retarding -its prosperity, but rather do our part to -push it forward.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose, then, we have a cake sale,” -was the suggestion by the eldest one of the -party. That was at once vetoed, as more -properly belonging to our mothers and -grandmothers.</p> - -<p>“I tell you what, girls!” ejaculated Jessie, -“let us make candy; get all the orders -we can and supply our customers. We can -make lots of money that way.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if we can get the customers,” -added Hattie, “<i>I</i> thought maybe we could -get up an entertainment, and so I brought a -book containing a colloquy in three parts, -which will just take in all of us. There are -eight characters, so it would fit exactly.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Good for you, Hattie,” was the quick -reply, and the bright eyes and excited manner -of each of the scholars showed that such -enthusiasm could not fall to result in success.</p> - -<p>Later a satisfactory programme was arranged, -consisting of music, recitations, -tableaux and the above-mentioned colloquy. -The entertainment was to be given in the -parlors of one of the scholars, and the tickets -for young and old were to be offered for the -sum of twenty-five cents each.</p> - -<p>My! how the girls worked, not alone in -the necessary preparation for their part of -the programme, but in the sale of tickets, -which were disposed of rapidly.</p> - -<p>At last the much-looked-for night had -come, and never did stars seem more brilliant, -or moonlight more beautiful. Such a -crowd! Long before the time for showing -the tableaux, which were to open the entertainment, -the parlors and halls and even -the stairs were full. A man was stationed -at the door to receive the tickets and any -money which might be offered.</p> - -<p>But was it any wonder that little Theodore -Vandervoort, who is connected with one of -the younger classes of the Sunday-school, -found himself surrounded by so many bigger -and older people, that he was not seen? or -that the money he had expected to give at -the door should not be taken?</p> - -<p>What a temptation this now presented!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> -His father and mother would never know. -The twenty-five cents would buy a great -deal of candy, or the new ball he wanted so -much, or a box of figs, or several bananas, -of which he was very fond. But no, Theodore -was an honest boy and would therefore -scorn to use money which was not his own. -This twenty-five cents had been given to -him to pay for the entertainment he was now -enjoying, and he would not expend it for -any other purpose. So the following morning, -before he entered school, he paid his -debt, personally going to the house of the -teacher who had charge of the entertainment -and, with a few words of explanation, -leaving the money.</p> - -<p>And so Theodore Vandervoort proved -himself a hero, an example to many an older -boy, as well as to many fathers and mothers.</p> - -<p>Even in a small boy we see the future -man, and if God wills that Theodore Vandervoort -shall grow to manhood, we are not -afraid to predict great things of him, to -prophesy that he will be a man above reproach, -a king among his fellows.</p> - -<p>May the boys who read this story beware -of falling into temptation, or doing the first -dishonest act; but rather let them be brave, -noble and upright, as was little Theodore, -and so receive not only peace of conscience -in the present life, but the joy which is -eternal.</p> - -<p>As for the entertainment, it met with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> -success that generally attends zeal and hard -work, and so overflowing was the treasury -that the girls scarcely needed the added -twenty-five cents. Yet honest Theodore, -in taking his first opportunity to get out of -debt, which is out of danger also, had set -for all who read these words an excellent -example.</p> - -<hr class="full" /> -<div class="tnote"><div class="center"> -<b>Transcriber’s Notes:</b></div> - -<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired. Varied hyphenation retained.</p> - -<p>Page 18, “carboard” changed to “cardboard” (a square of cardboard)</p> - -<p>Page 23, “varities” changed to “varieties” (think what varieties of)</p> - -<p>Pages 25, 149 “where-ever” split over two lines was changed to -“wherever” (Girl runs wherever) (may put them wherever)</p> - -<p>Page 57, “though” changed to “through” (through which he has)</p> - -<p>Page 57, “andthis” changed to “and this” (and this game should)</p> - -<p>Page 91, “fete” changed to “fête” (the popular <i>fête</i>)</p> - -<p>Page 96, “matinee” changed to “matinée” (occasional matinée performance)</p> - -<p>Page 97, “mad” changed to “made” (be made of white)</p> - -<p>Page 162, “fastents” changed to “fastens” (instantly fastens itself)</p> - -<p>Page 184, “couse” changed to “course” (course, the pansy-leaf)</p> - -<p>Page 189, “maccaroni” changed to “macaroni” (but not macaroni)</p> - -<p>Page 194, “urdona” changed to “urdon” (own esog urdon)</p> - -<p>Page 194, “Mda” changed to “Nda” (Nda lilst i okwn)</p> - -<p>Page 194, “aec dn” changed to “aecdn” (Het iteesvf aecdn)</p> - -<p>Page 194, “f’tfrdnei” changed to “fetfrdnei” (Os fetfrdnei rmof)</p> - -<p>Page 196, “eyes” changed to “hair” (hair was so brown)</p> - -<p>Page 199, “tlp” changed to “tip” (tip of nose)</p> - -<p>Page 199, “smilar” changed to “similar” (similar to example)</p> - -<p>Page 200, “wth” changed to “with” (with pots, pans, dishes)</p> - -<p>Page 235, “similiar” changed to “similar” (similar ludicrous blunders)</p> - -<p>Page 240, split across two lines, “forget-getting” changed to “forgetting” -(the trouble, forgetting)</p> - -<p>Page 249, “the” changed to “this” (negligent -this time)</p> - -<p>Page 255, “immates” changed to “inmates” (difficulty the inmates of)</p> - -<p>Page 316, paragraph break introduced after the line ending, “with me anytime” -as the quotation pattern seemed to suggest it.</p> - -<p>Page 319, “eharge” changed to “charge” (charge of the entertainment)</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fun for the Household, by Emma J. 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