given up the word, when a fresh victim is admitted, and the new initiate
becomes in turn one of the actors. Sometimes, however, the victim
manages to turn the laugh against his persecutors. We have known a
young lady, seeing through the joke, quietly take a chair and remain
motionless, reducing the matter to a simple trial of patience between
herself and the company.




CHAPTER VIII

CHURCH AND SCHOOL SOCIALS

LIVING PICTURES--TABLEAUX: DIGNITY AND IMPUDENCE--SAILOR'S FAREWELL--HOME
AGAIN--VARIOUS TABLEAUX


LIVING PICTURES

There are few better amusements for a large party in the same house,
with plenty of time on their hands, than the organization of _tableaux
vivants,_ or living representations. Tableaux, to be successfully
represented, demand quite as much attention to detail as a theatrical
performance, and scarcely less careful rehearsal. The first element
of success is a competent stage manager. His artistic taste should be
beyond all question, and his will should be law among the members of
his corps. The essentials of a "living picture" are very much the same
as those of a picture of the inanimate description, viz., form, color
and arrangement. If, therefore, you can secure for the office of stage