每天读一篇英语小故事：The Waiter

英语自学网

　　Alvin didn’t like the way the waiter walked—he projected an air of
arrogance. The waiter came to their table with three glasses in one hand and
three menus in the other. His thumb and fingers were all over the insides of the
glasses. Alvin was disgusted. Hank and Nathan didn't seem to mind. “Any germ
that doesn’t kill you, just makes you stronger,” Hank said. Alvin told Hank to
remember that in a day or so when he was barfing in the toilet.
        　　Alvin refused to drink or eat anything. He told them he would eat when he
got home. Ten minutes later, after finally getting the waiter’s attention, Hank
and Nathan each ordered a small salad, a double cheeseburger with chips, and a
couple of beers. Alvin asked the waiter if he had worked there long. “Long
enough,” the waiter replied. When he returned with the beers, Nathan told the
waiter thanks. The waiter said nothing in reply.
        　　“Did you see that?” Alvin asked. “You said thanks, and he didn’t bother to
say you’re welcome.” Hank said that younger people today were not taught the
finer points of etiquette.
        　　“The finer points?!” Alvin said. “The finer points are knowing which side
of the plate the forks and spoons are supposed to be on. Knowing when to say
‘sir,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘you’re welcome’ is elementary etiquette.” The waiter
came back to clear the plates from the table. Nathan hadn’t quite finished, but
said nothing. When the waiter brought the bill about ten minutes later, Alvin
motioned to him.
        　　“Give me the bill,” he said. “I’m going to treat my friends.” Wordlessly,
the waiter placed the bill in front of Alvin.
        　　Nathan and Hank were astounded. “You know,” said Nathan, “this might be the
first time I’ve ever seen you pick up the tab. What’s the occasion?” Alvin told
Nathan that he just felt like being nice to his friends for a change. The bill
was $20. After his friends had left the table, Alvin put a 35-cent tip on the
table.