Fourth Player. Have I got to say something that "reticule" suggests?
M. C. That's the idea—yes.
A Player. Say "vanity-bag."
Another Player. Say "powder-puff."
(Roars of laughter.)
M. C. Please, please—either the game is worth playing or it isn't. If it is worth playing it is worth playing seriously, and then you can get some very funny effects—it's a psychological exhibition; but if other players talk at the same time and try to help it's useless. Now, next player, please. The word is "reticule."
Fourth Player (after a long silence). "Bond Street."
Fifth Player. Ah, "Bond Street"! That's better. That suggests heaps of things. Which shall I choose? "Chocolates"? No. "Furs"? No. "Diamonds"? No. Oh, yes—"Old Masters."
M. C. (with resignation). But you know you mustn't select. The whole point of the game is that you must say what comes automatically into your mind as you hear the word.
Fifth Player. I'm sorry. Shall I go back to "diamonds"?