What was
considered "good form" in this pastime among our forefathers now
decidedly demode, and the correct drinker of 1910 is as obsolete
and out of date in the present decade as the "frock-coat."
The game today is divided into (a) formal and (b) informal
drinking. "Formal drinking" is usually played after dinner and is
more and more coming to take the place of charades,
sleight-of-hand performances, magic lantern shows, "dumb crambo,"
et cetera, as the parlor amusement par excellence. "Formal
drinking" can be played by from one to fifteen people in a house
of ordinary dimensions; for a larger number it is generally
better to provide a garage, a large yard, and special police,
fire and plate glass insurance. The game is played with glasses,
ice, and a dozen bottles of either whisky or gin.
The sport is begun by the host's wife, who says, "How would you
all like to play a little bridge?" This is followed by silence.
Another wife then says, "I think it would be awfully nice to play
a little bridge." One of the men players then steps forward and
says "I think it would be awfully nice to have a little drink."
An "It" is then selected--always, by courtesy, the host. The "It"
then says, "How would you all like to have a little drink?" The
men players then answer in the affirmative and the "It's" wife
says, "Now Henry dear, please--remember what happened last time."
The "It" replies, "Yes, dear," and goes into the cellar, while
the "It's" wife, after providing each guest with a glass, puts
away the Dresden china clock, the porcelain parrot.
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