Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 January 1886 — FUN AT HOME. [ARTICLE]

FUN AT HOME.

Entertaining: Parlor Games, Tricks, and Pastimes. The Stopple Game.—Stick a knife or any sharp thing in the side of an open doorway, leaving the door open and having the knife placed about as high as the head. Then place a cork, large or small, on the knife. Go back ten feet, place the left hand over the left eye, walk briskly toward the cork and knock it off with the first finger of the right hand. Shadow Buff.— A large sheet is stretched across one end of the room, and one of the party sits on a low stool between it and the light. He is to look right at the sheet, and neither sideways nor behind him. The other players then pass between the light and the seated person, disguising themselves by action or clothing as much as they please, while he is to guess, by the shadows, who they are. When he guesses correctly, the person whom he names must take his place. The High Jump.— Tell one of your friends to place two chairs back to back, about two feet apart, then to take off' his shoes and jump over them. If he fails or fears to try, take off your own shoes, put them side by side, and jump over them. This was what you expected your fr end to do, only he did not understand you in that way. Leaves of Destiny.— One of the number is chosen sibyl; she holds slips of paper numbered from 1 to 50; the others draw and the sibyl reads the corresponding number in “Leaves of Destiny.” 1. You’ll meet this year on Brighton strand, one destined for yonr heart and hand. 2. Choose one, if you (fre shrewd, no safety lies in multitude. 3. Endless flirtation doth seem your vocation. 4. Bracing air and embracing arms give Coney Island especial charms. 5. Young or old? Love for gold? Toss odd or oven, you’ll be told. G. Some natures change on change of name, but like the rose you’ll be the same. 7. For music and balls, you’ll have nursery squalls. 8. The right one cometh from Now York, with heart and purse as light as cork. 9. Away with pride and cold disdain, or you’ll too long alone remain. ; 10. Don’t have for motto, “Both aro best,” (but, “Now choose one, look at the rest.” 11. ’Tis simply true, though now you laugh, ,that you will worship a golden calf. 12. This year a lover will with pride watch thee sporting in the tide. 13. At Ocean Grove you’ll forsake worldly notions, drink nothing but tea and attend your dovotions. 14. A heart and fortune you will gain, in this summer’s grand campaign. 15. Before you go too far, be sure there’s not another side the brighter side to mar. 16. A life both long and wisely spent, and children to your heart’s content. 17. Happy when single, but not content, you’ll marry in haste and soon repent. 18. Lovers and books romantic—the musio of the grand Atlantic, this year will make you nearly frantic. 19. The “Mighty Dollar” cannot buy the love for which in vain you sigh. 20. A well-known line you may transpose, “A thorn is always near a rose.” 21. You nobly strive to make it known “ ’Tis bad for man to be alone. ” 22. Before the present year is out, your wedding cards will be about 23. A heartless flirt: You’ll penance do for all the innocents you slew. 24. Or some fine day, not very remote, you’ll meet your match on a ferryboat. 25. Your head is liot, your heart is cold, I pity your lot when you are old. 26. With throbbing heart aud trembling hand, soon at the altar you will stand. 27. You'll count amongst your future joys, six little girls, six little boys. 28. Your pace I fear is rather fast—your love’s by far too hot to last. 29. Inconstant as the fickle wind, from day to dayyou’ll change your mind. 30. Ever dreaming—never doing, you’ll gain naught by seaside wooing. 31. You will love and run away, and live to love another day. 32. You’ll have a busy summer, flirting bard with each newcomer. 33. Be merry now, no more you’ll laugh when you have found your better-naif. 34 Cheer up! cheer up! I plainly see bright golden days in store for thee. 35. Like the flow and ebb of tide, your spirits rise and soon subside. 36. You’re building castles in the air, to end in grief and dark despair. 37. You lack the courage to say “no,” hence all your troubles here below. > 38. Lawn tennis is a pastime sweet, where a life partner you will meet. 39. Enjoy the sunshine while you may, too soon the chance will pass away. 40. Sweet and bright as the 'month of May, your life shall seem a holiday. 41. You’ll break the heartless law of fashion, ' and own at last the tender passion. 42. Your destiny is hard to fix, bitter and sweet so freely mix. 43. The wedding bells soon merrily shall ling a chime to gladden thee. 44. When you go out to sea to fish you’ll catch the very thing you wish. 45. You soon must solve the problem grave —“an old one’s pet or a young one’s slave?” 46. Some dress to live; but you, I guess, like many, only live to dress. 47. Unless you’re a Mormon or a Turk, contented you’ll bo with this year’s work. 48. The happy day is drawing nigh, to all your pains and cares, good-bye. 49. You’re leaving now to meet no more the only one you could adore. 50. To young and old I bid farewell, and will next year their fortunes tell.