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346 HONDA THE SAMURAI.
as a well-bred gentleman, lest he should commit some
fault of taste or good manners. He had never before
seen foreign people eat, nor had he ever taken a
knife or metal spoon or fork in his hand, nor was he
acquainted with the character of the food or drinks
he might have to put in his mouth. He felt inwardly
nervous and fearful, though outwardly all
calm.
An American naval officer, an old friend of the host,
was to dine by appointment with Doctor Grey that
day. The table had eight guests, and the appointments
that day wore the appearance of an extra
Honda did not know this. Appar-
occasion, though
ently not noticing anything, his eyes were in reality
keenly alert to every motion of his host and of the
officer. Soup, fish, meat, and vegetables, however,
were skillfully mastered, the knife not once going
brave and self-assured, he thought he could follow
the code without noticing the example of the others.
Alas for his sensitive soul, the inevitable faux pas
When the finger-bowls, with an inch
came to pass.
of water and a slice of lemon floating on it, were
put on the table, Honda lifted the bowl and took a
drink of the lemon-water.
Did host, hostess, and naval guest do likewise, to
save the shame of the Japanese gentleman?
into the mouth, nor any noise being made in sipping
the soup, nor one slip or false movement happening.
So well did he progress that, having grown
Doubtless
they would have done so, had they noticed it ;
but just at that moment a slight earthquake shook