Punch, or the London Charivari, page 29 by Various Authors
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Other Players (together). Oh, yes, it does--"silence," "grumpiness," "oysters," "Trappists."
M. C. If a word suggests nothing whatever to you, you should say, "Blank mind."
Third Player. Ah, but I've thought of something now--"reticule."
(Roars of laughter.)
M. C. It's all right. That's how the mind does work. Now, next player.
Fourth Player. Have I got to say something that "reticule" suggests?
M. C. That's the idea--yes.
A Player. Say "vanity-bag."
Another Player. Say "powder-puff."
(Roars of laughter.)
M. C. Please, please--either the game is worth playing or it isn't. If it is worth playing it is worth playing seriously, and then you can get some very funny effects--it's a psychological exhibition; but if other players talk at the same time and try to help it's useless. Now, next player, please. The word is "reticule."
Fourth Player (after a long silence). "Bond Street."
Fifth Player. Ah, "Bond Street"! That's better. That suggests heaps of things. Which shall I choose? "Chocolates"? No. "Furs"? No. "Diamonds"? No. Oh, yes--"Old Masters."
M. C. (with resignation). But you know you mustn't select. The whole point of the game is that you must say what comes automatically into your mind as you hear the word.
Fifth Player. I'm sorry. Shall I go back to "diamonds"?
M. C. No; you had better stick to "Old Masters."
Fifth Player. "Old Masters."
Sixth Player (deaf). What did you say--"mustard-plasters"?
Fifth Player. No; "Old Masters."
Sixth Player. I've heard of new men and old acres, but I've never heard of Old Pastures. What are they?
Fifth Player (shouting). No, no; "Old Masters." Pictures of the Old Masters--RAPHAEL, TITIAN.
Sixth