One of the company must leave the room, while another touches some article in her absence, which she must endeavor to guess on her return. Before her departure, the mistress of the play takes her aside, and whispers to her the watchword, meaning that when she hears her ask, "Is it this?" she may be sure that she points to the object which has been actually touched but, on the other hand, the question, "Is it that?" refers to things that have not been touched.

Example.

Maria. Louisa, do you go out; but first let me say something to you in private. (She takes Louisa asidet and whispers to her, saying), Julia will touch something while you are gone; and when, on your return, I point to different things, and ask, "Is it that?" you may be sure I am not directing you to the right object, and you must say, "No." But when I ask, "Is it this?" you may say, "Yes:" for you may be sure that I mean the thing that Julia has actually touched. Go now. Remember that the watchword is "this" and reply accordingly. (Louisa goes out.) Come, Julia, what will you touch ?

Julia. There, I touch the work-basket Come in, Louisa. (Louisa returns.)

Maria (pointing to a book). Is it that?

Louisa. No.

Maria (showing a pincushion). Is it that?

Louisa. No.

Maria (pointing to a newspaper). Is it that ?

Louisa. No.

Maria (showing a work-box). Is it that ?

Louisa. No.

Maria (pointing to a basket). Is it this ?

Louisa. Yes. ( The other girls, being unacquainted with the play look surprised.)

Charlotte. Well, it really was the basket that Julia touched.

Helen. How could Louisa possibly know?

Harriet. How could she be sure that Julia had not touched any of the other things that were mentioned ?

Maria. Well, Harriet, you shall go out next. So first come aside with me, and I will let you into the secret.

(By the by, it must be remembered, that, in this play, no one goes out twice.)

(She takes Harriet to the other end of the room, and whispers to her that the watchword will now be "that." Harriet goes out, and, while she is away, Charlotte touches the lamp; and on her return Maria questions her for a while by asking, " Is it this?" to which, of course, Harriet answers, "No." But when Maria inquires, "Is it that? " as she points to the lamp, Harriet knows that she may say, " Yes")