ABSTRACT
It is observed by a modern medical writer*. that when the stomach is satisfied we are cheerful, alert, and lively; when the contrary, dull, heavy, and melancholy. The truth of this maxim began now to exemplify itself, and the good-humour of the whole party began to increase as they advanced in the progress of repletion; when, lo! with the second course arrived Sir Thomas and Lady Williams. This threw every thing into confusion. The fish and the venison were ordered to be warmed, while the hare and the pheasants, which / were already brought in, in their turn grew cold. Apologies were abundantly made for want of punctuality, and occasioning their friends to wait; to which Mr. Aldworth replied, with a smile, (not emanating how ever from good-humour) ‘My worthy friends, there is no occasion for any apology on that head, for we did not wait a single moment. The instant the time of dinner arrives, if one of my expected guests is present, it punctually makes its appearance; and if that rule was universal, as no person is fond of eating their food cold, few would stay behind the appointed hour. As the greatest waste of time is that we squander in waiting for one another, I always abridge that period as much as possible; for, much as I dislike late hours, I would rather be invited at six, and dine exactly at that time, than come at three by appointment, and continue half an hour in attendance on people who are never able to snatch themselves in time from that great employment of their lives – doing nothing at all.’ /
