A politician came from the country to a Western city for a day’s stay. He went to one of the popular hotels and registered, but was invited out to dine at the home of a friend. When his bill was presented to him, he found that charge was for a day’s board, including dinner. He protested vigorously. The genial clerk explained to him that the American plan was based strictly on time, and that the fact that he had chosen to dine elsewhere had no effect upon the charge. He paid the bill, very much dissatisfied. Then, finding that meals were still being served, he hurried into one of the dining-rooms, hastily seized the menu card, and ordered a very sumptuous repast, in an effort to “get even.” Finally he finished, and the waiter handed him a check for nineteen dollars.

“What’s this for?” he demanded.

“Your dinner, sir,” replied the waiter.

“Dinner!” he exclaimed, indignantly, “I have already paid for my dinner in my bill, I am staying here on the American plan.”

“Then, sir,” said the waiter, quietly, “you should have gone into the other dining-room. This is the European-plan café.”

    一个政客从乡下来到了西部某市，在那里逗留一天。他找到一家大旅馆，办理了入住手续，然后应约到一个朋友家吃晚饭了。当他结账时，发现账单收了他一整天的伙食钱，包括晚饭在内。他于是提出了强烈抗议。旅馆职员和颜悦色地向他解释美国旅馆收费方式是按天计算的，如果他自己去了别的地方吃饭，费用要照收。他很不满地付了帐。然后，他发现酒店还在开饭，便急急忙忙地走进一个餐厅，拿起菜单就点了一份价格昂贵的大餐吃了，心想不吃白不吃。待他吃完大餐，侍者就递给他一张十九美元的账单。

“这是什么费用？”他问道。

“你这顿饭的钱，先生，”侍者回答。

“这顿饭！”他气愤地叫了起来。“我已付了一天的钱，晚餐费用已包括在内了。我是按美国收费方式付了钱的。”

“先生，”侍者心平气和地说，“那你应该到另一个餐厅就餐。这餐厅是按欧洲方式收费的。”