ss in coming to the table._
_When to be seated._
_Waiting one's turn to be helped._
_Beginning to eat before others._
_Asking for articles of food,--how, when,
and where._
_Criticism of food on the table._
_Use of napkin, knife, fork, and spoon._
_Haste in eating._
_Attention to wants of others._
_Conduct in case of accidents._
_Mention of unpleasant subjects._
_Use of toothpick._
_When and how to leave the table._
_Quietness of movement._
_Observance of table manners in others._

LESSON VI.

MANNERS AT THE TABLE.

IT is not polite to linger after being called to the table. When the
bell is rung, or any other summons given, it is to be supposed that the
meal is ready, and the call should be promptly obeyed. Food does not
improve by waiting, and unnecessary delay is rudeness to the persons at
whose table we sit, whether our own parents or strangers. When we know
the hours for meals we should plan to be ready for them.

Until the lady of the house takes her seat, other persons should not
take theirs. In taking our seats we should be careful not to jar the
table.

Each one should quietly wait his turn to be helped. Children sometimes
pass their plates as soon as they are seated, or begin to handle knife,
fork, and spoon as if they were in hungry haste. They should wait for
visitors and older persons to be helped first, and brothers should wait
for their sisters. A story is told of a little girl, five years old, who
at a large dinner party was overlooked until the company had finished
the first course. She waited before her empty plate in perfect quietness
until some one noticed her,--bravely trying to keep back the
tears,--because she thought it was the polite and proper thing to do.
This was carrying polite waiting further than was necessary, but was
much better than the rude haste too common among children.

It is polite to wait until all or nearly all are helped before beginning
to eat; and children should never begin before older people.

It is not polite to ask for things at other tables than our own or those
of intimate friends who expect it of us. The persons at whose table we
sit are expected to supply our wants without our making them known. In
asking we must not forget to say, "Please pass the bread," or whatever
we wish for, and to say,