a napkin etiquette question

[perfection]

I have done extensive reading on the web to realize that the following is an unresolved issue - "Does the napkin go on the chair or table if a diner needs to leave a dining table temporarily DURING a meal.

My questions are

(i) assuming i subscribe to the "leave it on table" school of thought, if a diner does leave his/her napkin on the table where (which side) on the table is the napkin to be placed until his/her return?

(ii) at the end of the meal most/all experts agree that the soiled napkin would be placed on the table beforre leaving but on which side of the plate or place setting?? Would it not be prudent to relaize that there would be no plate in front of a diner at the end of a meal (assuming efficiency of the waiting staff)? (hence i have used the word place setting)

If a diner places his/her nakin both times (leaving during a meal and end of meal) on the left of the place setting (i read this someplace) would it not confuse the waiter whether the diner has left temporarily or left the table altogether?

I did read someplace that if a diner leaves during the meal he/she should leave the napkin on the left hand side of plate / place setting and at the end of the meal on the right hand side of the plate/place setting

Any comments, insights, wise answers on what i should teach my students assuming i subscribe to leaving the napkin on the table in both situations (i am confuised about the exact placement of the same)

Any web references that are an AUTHORITY that i may have missed??

[Dude111]

You have read up on things i see

Welcome to the site my friend!

[jamesglewisf]

I prefer that you leave my napkin alone.

(i) That said, I think he would leave it on the left until his return.
(ii) I think most people probably leave it in the center when finished.

I have no references for you.