Nobody seemed to know of any particular game to play, until Ruth volunteered to explain to them a new game that had recently made its appearance in Boston.
The game was called “It,” and was great fun, Ruth said, if the players would agree to keep their temper.
All present willingly agreed to do this.
“It’s really only difficult for one,” explained Ruth; “the one who does the guessing must be guaranteed to possess a temper that is positively incapable of being ruffled under any provocation.”
Although entirely unfamiliar with the details of Ruth’s game, it suddenly occurred to Patty that here was an excellent chance to test the quality of Lorraine’s reform in the matter of amiability. So she said:
“If you want someone good-natured to do your guessing, I propose Lorraine Hamilton.”
Lorraine looked up suddenly, caught Patty’s glance, and determined that she would prove herself worthy of the confidence Patty had shown in her.
“I’ll do it,” she said, “and I’ll agree not to lose my temper, whatever your game may be.”
“You’ll be tempted to,” said Ruth; “I warn you that ‘It’ is a most exasperating and provoking game.”
“I’ll risk it,” said Lorraine; “what must I do first?”