Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-10-13

old daughter Mary, and son
Jack, aged sixteen.
There was quite q bit Of
confusion as young Jack en-
tered first, followed by Mary.
who was demanding in a pip
ing voice to sit over there"
while Mrs. Inexperienced en-
deavored in loud tones to
quiet her.
Mr.. inexperienced brought
I'D the rear after arguing
with the hat check girl. At
long last, after attracting the
attention Of every diner in
the room, they were ready to
go to a table.
Mrs. inexperienced in
structed the head waiter as
to where they wished to sit,
and then she led the way, to
be followed by Mary and Mr..
inexperienced. Jack stra g.
gled along behind, stopping
to take q look at trays being
carried by, and to stare
around generally. Mr.. mex
perienced helped his wife
into her CHI air, and Mary
pumped herself next to her
Mother, o bv iously out Of
sorts because the table was
not to her liking. When the
menu was presented. much
loud discussion ensued as to
what each m m Der Of the
family wanted.
After the meal was finally
served and eaten, the family
made q noisy exit, and I'm
sure there wasn't a diner, or
waiter, in the restaurant who
wasn't glad to see them go.
I am afraid that In the
case Of Mary, pity rather
than censure should be forth
coming. A child who has
not been taught how to be-
have in public cannot, after
all, be blamed for her ac-
tons. The blame belongs
squarely on the shoulders Of
the parents. AS for young
Jack. the road will be rather
tough, I am afraid. for his
habits are formed, and 1t will
be through the medium of
embarrassing experiences
that he will learn how he
should conduct himself in a
public place.
To begin with, when on a
family outing, Mother should
be regarded as the guest of
honor and Dad as the host.
Upon entering, Jack, being
the younger man, should
hold the door open for Moth
er. who Of course enters first,
followed by Mary. then Dad.
Father should indicate to the
head waiter the number in
the party, and they are then
led to a table; Mother first,
Mary, Dad, with Jack bring
ing up the rear. Gle should
do so In a dignified manner,
I might add
When the table Is reached,
Mother takes the chair that
the head waiter holds for
her. Mary seats herself oppo-
site and Jack should be
standing ready to place her
chair. He should re m ain
standing until Dad is seated
beside Mother. When the
menu is presented, each
member should make his
own choice without audible
comments as to personal
likes and dislikes.
It is well to remember that
when dining in a public
place, one is on exhibition,
even though those watching
are nknown. Every effort
should be made to conform
to the traditions that years
Of usage have decreed as
"the courteous thing to do"
Questions g. Answers
Question: I have a ques-
ton on the use of the phrase
"a coffee" as we have always
used the expression "a tea"
Is 1t correct to say or use
when writing a news item for
a society page, for example2
Mrs. E. L. R.
Answer: New terms and
phrases pop up every now
and then to fit new customs.
"a coffee" Cor "a coffe e
klatch'D has fast been be-
coming a daily figure of
speech. It seems to be used
for both morning and after
noon get-togethers, but I be-
lieve it all started several
years ago when housewives
living near one another in
the suburbs would extend in
vitations to each other to
come over tomorrow morn
ing around ten for a coffee"
This nice way of breaking
the monotony of household
tasks has definitely grown in
favor, and the phrase "a cof-
fee" Is used as much as "a
tea" Even more, I would say
Therefore, while I certainly
am no language expert, II
would seem to me perfectly
proper to use 1t.
Question: Our second baby
Is due in about two months
and I plan to send out an
nouncements. I don't wish al
Learn
TIPPING kfgS