Ch5-Bad Manners

CHAPTER FIVE Bad Manners A servant rang a bell. Other servants began carrying in large silver bowls, platters, and trays. "It is time for dinner now," said Nan. "We must go, Wolfie. We have to find Papa." She helped her little brother put his wig back on.

"But I want to stay with Jack and Annie," whined Wolfie. "I want to play with them in the garden." "Not now," said Nan. She grabbed Wolfie's hand. "It was nice to talk to you," she said to Jack and Annie. "And I hope we can see you perform again someday, Jack." Jack forced a smile. "Uh… yeah, thanks. Hey, let us know what your dad—I mean, your papa— says about the brilliant artists living in the palace," he said. "Maybe you can meet us later by those double doors?" "Yes, after dinner, we will meet you," said Nan. "And then we will play in the garden!" said Wolfie.

"No, you and I will have other things to do, Wolfie, remember?" said Nan. "Come along now." She pulled her little brother away. "But I want to play with Jack the Clown!" Wolfie wailed. Jack and Annie watched Wolfie and Nan disappear into the crowd. "I am not a clown," Jack said darkly. "Don't worry about him," said Annie. "He really admires you." "Lucky me," said Jack. The bell sounded again. People started moving toward the dinner tables. "Where should we sit?" said Annie.

"Anywhere," said Jack, "as long as we're out of the way." He still wanted to hide from the imperial children. "What about that table at the end of the room? Near the door?" "Sure." Jack led the way to the table at the far end of the room. "Let's grab seats while we can," he said to Annie. As grown-ups hovered near the table talking and laughing, Jack and Annie sat down in two chairs. Steaming platters of food lined the middle of the table: beef stew, mashed potatoes, sausages, dumplings, cabbage, spiced apples, and gingerbread.

Jack's mouth watered. He hadn't realized how hungry he was. "Okay, here's our plan," he said to Annie. "We'll eat first. Then Nan will tell us where all the artists live, and we'll get to work." "Excuse me, young man and young lady," someone said in a snippy tone. Jack and Annie turned around in their chairs. An elderly couple stood glaring at them. "The empress herself designed the seating plan," the man said. "And I can assure you these are not your seats." "Furthermore," said the woman, "no one sits until Her Imperial Majesty is seated." Jack and Annie jumped up from their chairs. "Oops!" said Annie.

"Sorry!" said Jack. "Our mistake," said Annie. "Excuse us." Jack and Annie walked away from the table. "That was bad manners," Annie said to Jack. "Who, us or them?" said Jack. "Us," Annie said. "I wonder where our seats are." "I have a feeling we're not a part of the empress's seating plan," said Jack. His face felt hot again. His wig itched like crazy. Suddenly a hush fell over the room. The harp and violin music stopped. Everyone stopped talking.