As more customers filled the restaurant, it seemed to become her mission to clear the back area for those who had just arrived and were waiting patiently for their turn. In a busy eating establishment, there are generally two ways to encourage the slower patrons to leave: subtly or directly. Unfortunately, the subtle approach was clearly not on her agenda. The hostess (or one of her aides) repeatedly went to the party behind us, removing empty plates and glasses, even though at least three of the five diners were nowhere near finished with their meals. They even started placing service items and menus at the edge of the table, indicating it was time to go! If it weren't so disheartening, i...
