The Table Napkin

As soon as the hostess picks up her napkin， pick yours up and lay it on your lap. Sometimes a roll of bread is wrapped in it; if so， take it out and put it on your side plate. If the napkin is large， leave it folded double in your lap; if small， unfold it completely. Never fasten it in your collar or waistcoat， or rumple it in your hands. Use a corner of it to wipe off your lips or fingers if greasy or dirty. Never use it to wipe the silver and china.

The Soup Course

Dinner usually begins with soup. The largest spoon at your place is the soup spoon. It will be beside your plate at the right-hand side. Do not make the mistake of using a spoon from the center of the table which may be intended for vegetables or jelly. No one should begin to eat of any course until the hostess picks up her own spoon or fork. It is usual for her to wait until everyone is served before beginning. She will not invite you to begin， as is the Chinese custom. When she picks up her spoon or fork， it means the others may do so also.

Comprehension Questions:

（ ）1. Who picks up the napkin first at a dinner?

A. The youngest guest.B. The senior guest.

C. The women guests.D. The hostess.

（ ）2. Napkin should be ________ when you are at table.

A. around the neckB. fastened in your waistcoat

C. rumpled in your handD. laid on your lap

（ ）3. The spoon used for vegetables or jelly is usually put ________.

A. beside your plate at the right-hand sideB. beside your plate at the left-hand side

C. at the center of the tableD. in the soup bowl at the center of the table

（ ）4. You could begin the soup course at a dinner ________.

A. when most of the guests are served

B. when all the guests are served

C. when the hostess picks up her own spoon or fork

D. when it is eleven o’clock sharp

（ ）5. The hostess won’t invite you to begin the soup course， ________.

A. which is the same as the Chinese custom

B. which is different from the Chinese custom.

C. which seems to be a little impolite

D. which is different from American custom