We are less rigid than Americans about dropping in and taking
a mouthful or two at dinner, even without a special invitation.*
--
* Since writing the above, I have heard from an American lady
that "progressive dinners" have recently been introduced
by the idle and rich set of young people in New York.
The modus operandi is that several dinners will, by arrangement,
be given on a certain day, and the guests will go to each house alternately,
eating one or two dishes only and remaining at the last house for fruit.
I can hardly believe this, but my friend assures me it is a fact.
It seems that eating is turned into play, and to appreciate the fun,
I would like to be one of the actors.
--
Washington officials and diplomats usually give large entertainments.
The arranging of the seats at the dinner table is a delicate matter,
as the rule of precedence has to be observed, and inattention to the rule,
by placing a wrong seat for a gentleman or lady who is entitled
to a higher place, may be considered as a slight. It is at
such functions as these that the professional story-teller,
the good reciter, the clever reader, the perfect entertainer
would make the natural selfish reserve of mankind less apparent.
Fashionable people, who entertain a good deal, are, I understand,
often puzzled to know how to provide novelties. In addition to
the suggestions I have made, may I be pardoned another?
There are many good cooks in the U.S.A. Why not commission these
to sometimes prepare a recherche Chinese dinner, with the food served
in bowls instead of plates, and with chop-sticks ("nimble lads" we call them)
for show, but forks and spoons for use.
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