had finally to explain that she did not suggest a song, but a musical measure-ragtime! Clever people will find many opportunities for themselves from the world of popular songs. Alternating with a song, one of the "instrumental selections" should be played by a masculine contributor. By secret ballot, the most successful singer and musician should be voted prizes. A SPINSTERS' TEA Two or three girls were bewailing the fact in mock heroics that the recent début of their younger sisters had relegated them to the limbo technically known as "the shelf," when it was proposed that they amuse and console themselves by giving a "Spinsters' Tea,' bidding other antiquated damsels of from 25 to 30. The invitations were headed by pen-and-ink drawings of cats, parrots, and cups of steaming tea, and the guests were requested to come attired as old maids. They appeared with side-curls, high combs and spectacles, wearing mitts and carrying reticules and bead bags, from which they refreshed themselves occasionally with fennel and peppermint drops. About the room were large sheets of paper, upon which heads of cats, cut out of black paper, were pasted. Some were cross-eyed, some had one eye closed in a sly wink. All were bewhiskered, but different in some way from each other. Tea, cookies and doughnuts were served on a bare mahogany table from old-fashioned china. A guessing-match was a feature of the afternoon's entertainment. The questions and answers were as follows: A dangerous cat (Catastrophe). An aspiring cat (Catamount). A cat that will be a butterfly (Caterpillar). A library cat (Catalogue). A cat that asks questions (Catechism). A cat's near relation (Catkin). A cat that is good to eat (Catsup). A horned cat (Cattle). A cat that throws stones (Catapult). A tree cat (Catalpa). A water cat (Cataract). A cat that flavours the grapes (Catawba). A cat that covers acres of ground (Cataclysm). A subterranean cat (Cataçomb). A cat, that, living, appears dead (Catalepsy). A cat with a cold (Catarrh). A GUESSING CONTEST A game that requires but simple preparations and that rarely fails to amuse is a guessing-match. Arrayed, upon a table and duly numbered are several articles of familiar use, and to the players are given cards with numbered lines and pencils attached whereon to write their guesses respecting certain details of these objects. The leader has, of course, previously ascertained the correct answers, which are written upon his or her card: By way of suggestion, the following questions may be asked: What is the height of a man's silk hat? How many peanuts in a pint? How many spots in a pack of cards? (Answer without time for computation.) Draw the face of a clock. (The difficulty arises when the V is reached.) How many pins in a paper? How many safety-matches in a box? What is the exact diameter of a half-dollar? If it be desired to give prizes to the best guesser, it should be something national (Yankees being preëminent in that accomplishment)-if only a flag. A nutmeg might answer for a "booby prize," as the commemorative of a Connecticut Yankee of inglorious fame. "THE SWAP PARTY" Why not the word "exchange " instead nobody knows, but at all events it has become very popular, alike with old and young. Every guest brings four or five little neatly wrapped and tied bundles. The more misleading in shape as to contents the better. The packages may contain anything from candy to soap, starch, tea, book, handkerchief, sun-bonnet, etc., the more absurd the funnier. Each person recommends his or her own bundles, describing the contents as wittily, and in a way to deceive as much, as possible. The bargaining becomes very shrewd and merry until all the parcels have been swapped, oftentimes more than once. Then they are opened, the best bargain winning first prize, the poorest compelling the holder to tell a story, suggest a game, sing or recite for the entertainment of the company. The universal verdict-"no trouble and lots of fun!" AN AUCTION This is a favourite game at summer resorts where the guests of a hotel are well acquainted. Every one who chooses may contribute one or more articles, which should be so wrapped as to entirely disguise the character, and these are offered to the highest bidder by some one with a glib tongue who will consent to play auctioneer. Every one is provided with a like number of beans wrapped in a Japanese paper napkin, which represents his or her entire finances. If too much is bid for one parcel, one's resources are crippled for the next. It is the etiquette of the game that, when an article is "knocked down," the purchaser shall open the parcel and display its contents. The game may be played with pleasant results when entertaining guests at home. The articles offered should be but trifles-with an occasional treasure-trove -to encourage the interest and excitement in bidding. Mock catalogues, type-written, add to the fun, especially when each item is a conundrum, and greatly facilitates the part of the auctioneer. For instance: 1. A bit of old lace-Shoe lace. 2. A portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria- 3. Study in black and white-Chalk and coal. 7. A letter from Hell-H. 8. A marble group-Several marbles. 9. A revealer of men's thoughts-Paper-knife. 10. That which we neither borrow nor lend, E'en to our best and dearest friend-Tooth-brush. II. A pair of slippers-Bit of orange peel and banana skin. 12. A mighty weapon-A pen. 13. A bit of Indian jewelry-A bead bracelet. 14. The first American-Cent, with Indian's head. 15. The most honoured American-Postage-stamp with Washington's head. 16. A new writing machine-A pencil (new). 17. Emblem of confidence-Sealing-wax. 18. Hawthorne's masterpiece-Letter A, painted scarlet. 19. The way to a girl's heart-Flowers, or a box of bon-bons. The bidding begins when all have arrived and are seated. Their money and catalogues are then given to them. |