Many of the games with which we are familiar in the United States are well known throughout Great Britain and on the Continent. But among the most amusing and most popular of English games is one of which we know little or nothing. It is dignified by the two-lettered name, "It."
This is altogether suitable for the parlor, and may be played by everybody if we will except the very young people. It creates roars of laughter, on account of the funny mistakes made by the questioners. "It" is a great mystery, and the longer it is played the greater mystery often it becomes. Only those understanding this game may remain in the room. All others must leave; there is no alternative. One of the party, unfamiliar with the game, is then selected to return, and must, by questioning those in the parlor, learn what "it" is. When he knows "it," he too must remain behind, and some one else is selected to fill his place. In this way the game is carried on, until each one in turn comes in and finds out the secret.
"It" is really the person who sits at your left, but, before this is discovered, usually much amusement is made. The game is played in the following way:
All in the parlor must sit in a circle, and must not change their positions. When the player is called in, he is told to ask a question of whomever he may please, and the person must correctly answer. For example--"Is 'it' white?" As everybody present is white, the answer is necessarily "Yes."
The questioner then asks another person, "Is 'it' thin?" and if the person to the left of the person thus questioned is thin, the answer is again "Yes." Perhaps this question may be repeated, and some one else is asked, "Do you also think 'it' is thin?" and if this person has some one for a left-hand neighbor who is very stout, of course he answers "No."
And thus the questioner is mystified, and must continue question after question. For a long time he may think "it" is a thing. Therefore a good question to put would be, "Is 'it' alive?" And then he might ask, "Is 'it' in this room?" Then he might try complexion, and again would be mystified, for if he asked, "Is 'it' a brunette?" and the reply being "Yes," his next question, "Has 'it' dark eyes?" would perhaps have for answer, "No"; and, "Has 'it' light hair?" "Yes." And so the secret seems harder than ever.