In this game two of the players must walk solemnly toward one another, bow ceremoniously without a smile, and look steadily at one another while they repeat the following dialogue: First Player. The Emperor of Morocco is dead.

Second Player. I'm very sorry for it.

First Player. He died of the gout in his left great toe.

Second Player. I'm very sorry for it.

First Player. And all the court are to go in mourning, and wear black rings through their noses.

Second Player. I'm very sorry for it.

They then bow again, and retire to their places, while another pair comes forward to go through the same impressive dialogue; and so on, till the game has gone all round the circle; a forfeit being the penalty for the slightest approach to a giggle. By the time almost every one had giggled, and the stand in the corner was covered again with forfeits, supper was ready, it being exactly half-past six; and every one was so hungry, that the piled-up table very soon showed empty dishes, and more sandwiches had to be brought in. The supper was as sensible as the hours, — plenty of delicious sandwiches, three sorts, made from tongue, ham, and chicken ; light, delicate cake, but no heavy, rich fruit-cake ; custards in pretty cups ; plenty of ice-cream and fruit, but no candy, save that to be found in the piles of "crackers," which they pulled after supper, each child putting on the caps they held.