[_Some additional aspects of the fashionable topic that
seem to have escaped the writers of similar articles in our
contemporaries_.]
(I.)--BUYING THE HOTEL.
For this game several players are required, who form themselves into
one or more parties according to numbers. A player, preferably a
woman, is selected as leader, and should possess nerve, coolness, and
an authoritative voice. The object of the game is to secure (1) The
best rooms; (2) Tables with a view; (3) The controlling interest in
all projects of entertainment. It is an important advantage for the
leader to have stayed in the hotel at least once previously. If she
is able to announce on arrival, "Here we are as usual!" and to greet
the proprietor and staff by name, this often gives an initial blow
exceedingly hard to parry. English visitors have been proving very
adept at the sport this season, with Americans a good second. The
German game, on the contrary, is slower and less subtle.
(II.)--SPOTTING THE PARSON.
An amusing game that has been very popular at many Swiss resorts
lately, and one that calls for the qualifications of a quick brain
and a keen eye. The universal adoption of sweaters and woollen
caps makes the task of the players one of considerable difficulty.
Envelope-reading should be forbidden by the rules, and some codes even
debar the offering of a _Church Times_ to a suspected stranger. The
_Athenæum_ and _Spectator_ may, however, be freely employed as bait.
A simpler version of the same sport called "HOW MANY SCHOOLMASTERS?"
is often indulged in between December 20th and January 15th, after
which latter date it loses its point.
Other games, seldom chronicled but inquiring at least as much skill
from their votaries as the better known varieties, are EARLY MORNING
SKI-BAGGING--at which the Germans frequently carry all before
them--and PRESSING THE PRESS-PHOTOGRAPHER, where the object of all the
players is to appear recognizably in a snap-shot for the illustrated
journals. At this the record score of three weekly and five daily
papers has been held for two successive seasons by the same player, a
gentleman whose dexterity is the subject of universal admiration.
* * * * *
[Illustration: SCENE--_Interior of box at Fancy Dress Ball_.
_Host of Party_. "I SAY, BETTY, I WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU TO A CITY
FRIEND OF MINE, _MR. JONES_."
_Hostess_ (_hospitably_). "HOW D'YOU DO? OH, YOU'RE _AWFULLY_ GOOD!"
_Host_ (_sotto voce_). "TAKE CARE! HE'S NOT MADE UP AT ALL."]
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