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Completely Arranged Dinner-Table

II. Table Etiquette.
IF you are not conversant with table etiquette, observe the actions, in a quiet way, of those whom you suppose to be most conversant therewith. Full directions for table etiquette and all other matters of personal deportment will be found in Part IX.
of this work. No person is expected to take wine at a dinner party unless it is usual for them so to do. If you do, always use the proper glasses for the wine served. If fish knives and forks are provided, use them; if not, use only your fork and a small crust of bread. Never put the uneatable portions of fish, flesh, fowls, or other debris off your plate, and especially do not lay any such thing on the cloth. Avoid remarks upon the quality or value of the food or service. If asked to take wine with any of the company, and you do not wish to be excused on the plea that you do not drink wine, have your glass replenished. It is not usual now to take wine in this way, and Never take a bone in your no person expected to take wine as a matter of course. fingers; the meat can always be separated with the knife. If, unfortunately, you get a bone or other substance in your mouth that may not be swallowed, remove it deftly in your napkin; but such should never be the case, if you are careful and do not hurry in your eating. If you must cough or sneeze, do so in your handkerchief and as quietly as possible; and, above all, never drink hastily or with your mouth full.
III. Carving at Table.
EVERY person should know how to carve; practice until you are reasonably perfect. It is never done by main strength. A good knife, moderately long, pointed and 00 A C B B
