THE NAPKIN

The master of the house sat down to his meal. As the courses were served, the servents would clear the table as the guests finished eating. During the meal however, the master of the house, folding his napkin and placing it aside his plate, left the room for a period of time. A new servant was about to take the Masters plate, when the seasoned servant stopped him short. "Why shouldn't I clear his plate?" said the new servant.

The other replied, "Because of the napkin. Had it been tossed aside, we would know he has finished, but because it is folded and placed, we know he is coming back."