the soup, which is handed round, commencing with the gentleman on her
right and on her left, and continuing in the same order till all are
served. It is generally established as a rule, not to ask for soup or
fish twice, as, in so doing, part of the company may be kept waiting too
long for the second course, when, perhaps, a little revenge is taken by
looking at the awkward consumer of a second portion. This rule, however,
may, under various circumstances, not be considered as binding.
It is not usual, where taking wine is _en règle_, for a
gentleman to ask a lady to take wine until the fish or soup is
finished, and then the gentleman honoured by sitting on the
right of the hostess, may politely inquire if she will do him
the honour of taking wine with him. This will act as a signal to
the rest of the company, the gentleman of the house most
probably requesting the same pleasure of the ladies at his right
and left. At many tables, however, the custom or fashion of
drinking wine in this manner, is abolished, and the servant
fills the glasses of the guests with the various wines suited to
the course which is in progress.