Lesson 81 A few tips about tips
The Clarks usually have dinner at 7 o'clock. One day it was 7.15, but they hadn't begun their dinner. They were expecting Gretel to arrive, but she hadn't appeared yet. "I can't understand it," Mrs Clark said."Gretel is usually very punctual." Just as she said that the door opened and Gretel appeared. She looked very upset.
"I'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I had to take a taxi to get here but we got stuck in a traffic-jam."
"What's the matter, Gretel?" Mr Clark asked. "You look upset."
"I am," Gretel replied. "I gave the taxi-driver a tip, but he didn't look at all pleased. I think he expected me to give him more."
"How much did you give him?" Mr Clark asked.
"5 pence," Gretel said. "The fare was 50 pence."
" NO wonder he was rude!" Mr Clark said. "Taxi-drivers expect you to give them at least 15 per cent. Remember that in England we always tip taxi-drivers, barbers and hair-dressers. We don't tip the usherette in a cinema. And we don't usually tip in restaurants and hotels when a service charge is included in the bill. Next time you take a taxi..."
"Thanks for the tip, Mr Clark," Gretel laughed, "but I hope there won't be a next time. It's an expensive business!" |