Page 26 of Falling Stars (Shooting Stars 5)

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looked pointedly at Steven. "Madame Senetsky

prefers no one be embarrassed or embarrass the

school."

"Does that mean we can't eat with our hands?"

Steven asked.

"Not yours. They're insured for millions,

remember?"

Cinnamon said. "Oh. right."

"If there are no intelligent questions, then

please be seated. When your teachers enter, please

stand and wait for them to take their seats before

sitting again. When Madame Senetsky arrives, we all

stand."

"And wait for her to take her seat before sitting

again?" Steven queried with a sly smile.

"Of course,' Ms. Fairchild replied. "Dinner will

begin in a moment."

She left the dining room. Everyone gazed at the

elaborate table with its heavy silverware, its crystal

goblets, and beautiful china. There were three candles

in gold candleholders, waiting to be lit. Platters of

bread were already on the table, but covered with

what looked like silk.

"What if she never sits down?" Steven asked.

"Would we all eat standing?"

"Your wisecracks are going to get you in

trouble quickly here," Howard warned him.

"That can't happen. Howard. I would just

switch from piano to stand-up comic and continue." We all sat and for a long moment just

contemplated the room. One of the maids came in and

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