You tell the company that you will place a candle in such a manner
that every person in the room, except one, shall see it; yet you will
not blindfold him, nor in any way restrain his person, or offer the
least impediment to his examining or going to any part of the room
he pleases. This trick is accomplished by placing the candle on the
party’s head; but it cannot be performed if a looking-glass is in the
room, as that will enable him to turn the laugh against you.