The Two Hats.
This is a modern version of the old “Game of Contraries.” The leader brings forward two hats; one he places on his own head, and hands the other to one of the company, with whom he enters into conversation. The person addressed must stand when the leader sits, and sit when he stands, take off his hat when the leader puts on his, and vice versa. A failure in any of these particulars is punishable by a forfeit. The conversation may be somewhat as follows:
Leader (standing and wearing his own hat). Allow me to offer you a hat, sir. (Sits down.)
Victim (standing up). I am much obliged to you, but I already have one.
Leader. Scarcely so becoming as this one, I think. But won’t you try it on? (Stands up, and victim sits down.) Allow me to place it on your head.
Victim. Not at present, thank you, though I quite admit it is a very charming hat.
Leader (throwing himself into a chair, and fanning himself with his hat). Dear me, how very hot the room is! Pray don’t rise on my account. (Victim stands up, but omits to put on his hat, whereby he incurs a forfeit, and the leader passes on to endeavor to entrap some other player.)