food is an adjunct to friendly intercourse. The success of the
meal depends equally perhaps upon the food and the conversation.
Because of the interruptions of service, conversation cannot be long
continued, or deeply thoughtful. It must be on subjects of no great
moment nor grave interest, or on such subjects lightly touched; but it
should be on bright, cheerful topics, and as witty as the talent of
the company affords.

Eating should be slow, and mastication of the food thorough, for
reasons of health as well as for the sake of appearance. No meal can
be eaten properly and adequately in less than thirty minutes, but more
than an hour for a meal is sheer waste of both time and food, unless
the company is large, the times of waiting between courses long, and
the portions served very small.

Eat silently. The noise of food being masticated is very distressing,
and except in cases of crusts and crisp vegetables, perfectly
unnecessary.

The napkin is unfolded and spread over the lap. One is supposed to be
skillful enough in raising food to the lips not to need the napkin in
front of the dress or coat to prevent injury.

In case you do not care for a course, you should not refuse it.
Receive it, and take what part of it you desire, trying to take some;
or, if you wish, leave it untouched, but do not have the appearance of
being neglected or ill-provided for, even if you do not eat of it. A
little more attention to conversation on your part may make
unnoticeable to those about you the fact that you do not eat of a
certain course.

If your preference is consulted as to food, whether the matter be
trivial to you or not, express some preference so that the one who is
serving, and who has asked to be guided, may be so far assisted.

Never place food or waste matter upon the tablecloth. An exception to
this may be made in regard to hard breads and celery, when individual
dishes for these are not furnished. Always use the side of some one of
the dishes about you for chips and scraps.

The fork is used in general except with semi-liquid sauces, where a
spoon is of necessity used. It is not permissible to eat peas with a
spoon.

The mouth should be closed while it contains food. It should not be
too full, as it is often necessary to reply to some question when
there is food in the mouth.

Do not leave the table until you have quite ceased chewing.

Be dainty and skillful in using your napkin and cutlery, avoiding
soili