looked pointedly at Steven. "Madame Senetsky
prefers no one be embarrassed or embarrass the
school."
"Does that mean we can't eat with our hands?"
Steven asked.
"Not yours. They're insured for millions,
remember?"
Cinnamon said. "Oh. right."
"If there are no intelligent questions, then
please be seated. When your teachers enter, please
stand and wait for them to take their seats before
sitting again. When Madame Senetsky arrives, we all
stand."
"And wait for her to take her seat before sitting
again?" Steven queried with a sly smile.
"Of course,' Ms. Fairchild replied. "Dinner will
begin in a moment."
She left the dining room. Everyone gazed at the
elaborate table with its heavy silverware, its crystal
goblets, and beautiful china. There were three candles
in gold candleholders, waiting to be lit. Platters of
bread were already on the table, but covered with
what looked like silk.
"What if she never sits down?" Steven asked.
"Would we all eat standing?"
"Your wisecracks are going to get you in
trouble quickly here," Howard warned him.
"That can't happen. Howard. I would just
switch from piano to stand-up comic and continue." We all sat and for a long moment just
contemplated the room. One of the maids came in and