Purpose.—To specify some forms of polite expressions used at table.
Method.—An incident related. Criticisms elicited from pupils.
The Lesson.
I once sat down to dine at a table where there were three children. They seemed to be nearly starved, although I knew they had eaten a good breakfast. As soon as they had taken their seats they called out, “I want some bread,” “Give me some meat,” “Pass that jelly;” and when they were served they began to eat as if it were their first meal in a long time. I think some of you would have been surprised at those children’s manners. What have you to say about them, Jennie?
“They ought to have kept still until they were served.”
“They ought to have said, ‘I would like some bread, if you please.’”
“And ‘Will you please give me some meat?’”
“And? ‘Will you be so kind as to pass the jelly?’”
Yes, that would have been much better. What should you say when something is passed to you at table, and you do not wish it?
“Not any, I thank you.”