The Front Door.
Once there was a man who, in building a new house, paid especial attention to the hall. It was elaborate and large, and graced with a very costly and beautiful staircase, with a carved balustrade ending in a handsome newel post. He was so proud of this stairway that he had it come straight down to the front door.
The front door also was elaborately carved, very heavy, made out of costly wood, adorned with a silver knocker. The owner of this house was eager to impress his guests with his wealth and magnificence, and looked forward to the brilliant entertainment that he would give.
But, alas! when the builder came to hang the fine front door, it was discovered that it could open only about two feet before it struck the base of the handsome stairway, and it would not go back an inch further!
Moral: Display is the enemy of true hospitality.