Forfeits For Ladies

For a Lady:

- To kiss a Gentleman "Rabbit Fashion"

This is usually a source of great amusement to the rest of the party. The lady has the privilege of choosing any gentleman present. A piece is broken off a reel of cotton, and the lady takes one end of the piece in her mouth while the gentleman takes the other in the same way. They then both nibble the cotton until the kiss ensues, as a matter of course. If the gentleman is sufficiently gallant, he will perform the chief part of the "nibbling" process. The company may exercise their discretion as to the length of the cotton.

- To repeat a Proverb Backwards

Any proverb may be chosen by the lady for the purpose.

- To stand in the Middle of the Room, and spell Opportunity

If, after the lady has spelt the word, a gentleman can reach her before she regains her seat, he may avail himself of the "opportunity" offered, under the mistletoe.

- To say "Yes" or "No" to Three Questions by the Company

The lady must go out of the room, while the company agree as to each of the questions to be asked. To each of these the lady must give one or other of the plain monosyllables. Ladies of experience say the safe answer is always "no;" but this hint must be reserved to readers of these papers.

- To sing a Song, or play a Piece of Music

This is given either to elicit the musical capabilities of a lady who may be shy, or to make an agreeable interlude in the round of other forfeits. If the lady called upon can really do neither, another forfeit is allotted to her.

- Ask a Question to which Yes must be the Answer

This is a great puzzle to anyone who is not in the secret. The unfortunate forfeiter may ask all kinds of questions, without eliciting the answer required for her release. But if she simply inquires, "What does y-e-s spell?" there cannot be any other reply.

- To kiss the Gentleman you love best in the Company, without any one knowing it

There is only one way of paying this penalty, and that is, to kiss every gentleman in the room, leaving them to settle the question as to "loving best" amongst them.

- To kiss each Corner of the Room

When this forfeit is declared, a gentleman stations himself in each corner, and the lady has to pay an unexpected penalty.

- To form a Rifle Corps

The lady goes to one end of the room, and calls up a gentleman, who stands opposite to her. The gentleman then calls a lady, who stands at his side; and she in turn names a gentleman, who places himself opposite to her. So the calling goes on, until all present are included. If the number of ladies and of gentlemen present is unequal, the more mirth is created by the last persons called standing opposite one of their own sex. When all are called, the word is given by the first gentleman in the rank, "Present arms." All then join hands with the persons opposite; and the next command is "Salute," which is done in osculatory fashion.

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