Was it a custom to roll a napkin to indicate one would come back to a meal?

Yes, it was a custom in some cultures to roll a napkin and place it on the table to signal that a diner would return to the meal later. This practice indicated that the meal was not finished, and the diner intended to come back. It served both a practical purpose and a social signal among diners. However, this custom is not universally practiced and may vary by region and dining etiquette.