Which Side?

(A white tablecloth on Dennis’s table. The guests come at seven.)

Poppy: Grandad, where does the knife go?

Dennis: On the right. Always on the right.

Poppy: And the fork?

Dennis: On the left. Put the napkin under the fork.

Poppy: Now the glasses?

Dennis: On the right. No, wait. On the left, near the plate.

Poppy: You said the right.

Dennis: That was my mother’s house. This is my house.

(Poppy brings the plates in on a tray.)

Poppy: Napkins on the plates now?

Dennis: Yes, on the plates. That’s how we do it here.

(The first guest sits down. He moves his knife and fork the other way round.)

Guest: Sorry. I’m left-handed.

Poppy: Grandad?

Dennis: It’s fine. That’s how they do it in his house.