Deference to the Lady of the House at Table.
Suggestions.—Do not be late at the home table. Never be late when a guest. Do not take your seat at the table until the lady of the house takes hers, nor rise from the table until she gives the signal. If necessary to leave the table before the meal is over, ask to be excused of the one presiding.
Polite Phraseology of the Table.
Suggestions.—When it is desired that any article on the table be passed, a servant should be asked, if there is one near. If not, the request should be made of some one at the table, as follows: “Please pass the bread,” “I would thank you for the bread,” “Will you be kind enough to pass the bread?” etc.
When offered anything at the table, the acceptance should be accompanied by “Thank you.” If anything is declined, it should be with “No, I thank you,” or “Not any, I thank you.”
Selfishness at Table.
Suggestions.—To take the best when there is any choice in the food is to show a very selfish disposition. This does not apply when urged to do so, but to seem to wish the best is inexcusable.
Reminders.
1. Sit reasonably near the table, neither too near nor too far away. Never place the elbows on the table. Do not sit so far away as to be obliged to lean forward. Do not bend over the plate. Do not spread the elbows when cutting meat, etc.
2. Young people should wait patiently and quietly until the older ones at table have been served. While waiting to be served, the knife or fork or napkin ring, or any other table article, should be left untouched. The hands should be quietly folded in the lap until one is served. The napkin may be spread over the lap when one first sits down at the table. Gentlemen do not now tuck the napkin under the chin.