The program for the mysterious company consists of a number of contests in which eyesight gives place to the sense of touch.
First of all the hostess produces a book printed in the raised lettering for the blind and suggests that each guest read ten lines from it. This is no easy matter. To the contestant reading the ten lines correctly in the shortest time a prize is awarded.
For the second trial of skill the guests may gather around a circular table. Beneath the table place a covered box or basket containing the most variously assorted small articles that it is possible to secure upon the spur of the moment, the more unexpected the better. No player must see the articles placed in the basket. When all is in readiness the objects are taken from the basket and passed rapidly from hand to hand below the table, ending in the hands of the hostess, and by her are placed in an empty bag provided for the purpose.
Distribute pencils and ask the guests to write down as many of the objects passed under the table as they can remember. A prize should be provided for the person who hands in the fullest list of the objects.
Next blindfold each guest in turn and place in his hands, one at a time, various objects, the names of which are to be guessed aloud. If curious and unfamiliar objects are selected, this will prove very amusing.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
This is a favorite occasion for a party among young people. It should be a small party, not over twenty-four guests, and it will be the more enjoyable if informal and among those who are well acquainted with each other.
There are as varied entertainments for such parties as for those at other seasons. A pretty idea is to confine the list to twelve young gentlemen and twelve young ladies. The hostess requests each couple to dress so as to represent a particular month, which she assigns them.
Duck trousers, cotton neckties, and white vests are as distinctive of summer for the young men, as shirt-waists, duck skirts, and lawn are for young women, but it will take some ingenuity to devise an effect that will mark a particular month.
The guests should not assemble until nine o'clock. There should be a large clock conspicuously placed in the room, and if possible an open fireplace, with a bright fire on the hearth.