A jolly crowd of young people who had been camping together a great
deal gave a lively shower to two of their number who were announcing
their engagement.
The affair took place in the city in the winter time and was very
informal.
After the "bunch" had gathered, someone suggested that they play
charades, one of their favorite diversions.
The engaged persons were chosen to sit with the hostess before the
open fire and pretend they were in camp. The word selected was not
made known to them, however.
The others all retired into the next room and came back shortly,
wrapped in raincoats and sou'westers, each one carrying a knobby
package.
"Shower!" they shouted in chorus, throwing their bundles at the group
by the fire. The parcels contained all kinds of camp conveniences.
There was a camp kit containing knives and forks and spoons, a
collapsible drinking cup, a thermos bottle, a pocket compass, an
electric flashlight, a folding mirror, a pocket corkscrew, a folding
camp grate, a folding camp stool, a folding alcohol stove with a pot,
and a pocket camera.
The engaged couple were taken entirely by surprise, for they had
supposed the party to be only one of many sociable evenings which the
crowd were in the habit of having.
The refreshments were reminiscent of camp and were served on wooden
plates around the fire in picnic fashion. The menu consisted of hot
bacon and roll sandwiches, dill pickles, coffee, and marshmallows
toasted over the flames.