The master of
the house, if in the habit of giving toasts, generally knowing the
custom of the Quakers in this instance, passes over any Quaker who may
be present, and calls upon his next neighbour for a toast. Good breeding
and hospitality demand that such indulgence and exception should be
given.
There are situations, however, in which their courage is often tried.
One of the worst in which a a Quaker can be placed, and in which he is
frequently placed, is that of being at a common room in an inn, where a
number of other travellers dine and sup together. In such companies
things are seldom conducted so much to his satisfaction in this respect,
as in those described. In general as the bottle passes, some jocose hint
is conveyed to him about the toast; and though this is perhaps done with
good humour, his feelings are wounded by it. At other times when the
company are of a less liberal complexion, there is a determination, soon
understood among one another, to hunt him down, as if he were fair game.
A toast is pressed upon him, though all know that it is not his custom
to drink it. On refusing, they begin to teaze him. One jokes with him.
Another banters him. Toasts both illiberal and indelicate, are at length
introduced; and he has no alternative but that of bearing the banter, or
quitting the room.
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