Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/31

Rh I was pointed to a seat beside the footman, behind the carriage. I very respectfully declined this honor, and marched myself back into the house. They returned at five to dinner, but I heard nothing that night of my refusal to ride with the footman. The next day, however, I was summoned to the lady's presence, and asked my reason for not accompanying her to London. She was surprised when I told her that in America, even a female slave acting as lady's maid, or child's nurse, always had a seat inside of the carriage with the-family. She then said that, in consideration of my being an American, she would overlook the matter; but had I been English, she should certainly have discharged me. Afterward, when they required my attendance from home, I always went in the carriage.

The four daughters of this family were very lovely persons; the eldest of whom, hearing the conversation between her mamma and myself, stepped forward and said, "Mamma, I think Iangy's excuse is quite satisfactory, and with your permission I will hereafter take charge of her myself." After this we had a regular understanding about everything. Servants in England are paid monthly, and it is customary for them to provide their own tea and coffee out of their wages; but my lady exempted me from this tax upon my own means—a privilege the other servants beheld with no little envy—and every Monday morning my little private caddy was filled. I took my breakfast and supper in my own room, but always dined in the servants' hall, having no other association with them. The upper valet and lady's maid in England never mingle with the household servants.