All the players but one are placed in a circle: that one remains inside to hunt the slipper, which is passed from hand to hand very rapidly in the circle. The hunter cannot judge where it is, because all the players keep their hands moving all the time, as if they were passing it. The one in whose hand it is caught becomes the hunter, and pays a forfeit. Usually little girls play sitting side by side, very close to each other, on low stools, or resting upon their feet. If the company be sufficiently numerous, it is better to have two circles, one within another, sitting face to face, resting on their feet, with their knees bent forward so as to meet each other: in this way a sort of concealed arch is formed, through which the slipper may be passed unperceived. There should be two slight openings in the circle, one on one side, and the other opposite. When the slipper is passing through these openings, the player who passes it should tap it on the floor to let the hunter know where it is. She springs to seize it; but it is flying round so rapidly, and all hands are moving so fast, that she loses it, and in less than an instant, perhaps, she hears it tapping on the other side. This game may be played rudely, and it may be played in a ladylike manner. If little girls are rude, they are in great danger of knocking each other down in trying to catch the slipper; for cowering upon their feet, as they do in this game, they easily lose their balance. It is best for the hunter never to try to catch the slipper, except at the two openings in the circle: then there is no danger of tumbling each other down. Some prefer playing this game with a thimble or a marble, because it is not so likely to be seen as a slipper. If any one happens to drop the slipper in passing it, she must pay a forfeit.

Then came, when they were quite out of breath with laughing over the slipper: —