Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/189

 i67 is wisest to advertise for a cook-general rather than a cook, as, when so styled, the latter at times goes on strike and refuses to assist in the housework. Perquisites It may be well to note here that per- quisites and commissions from the trades- people should be absolutely forbidden, but it is wise to make this clear when engaging the cook. There is a popular idea that she has the right to sell dripping, bones, empty tins, jars, etc. ; also to claim and receive a commission on the various bills paid, the usual sum being is. in each pound. It is difficult to stop the latter system ; but the mistress must make sure she is only paying fair prices, write her own orders, and keep a careful watch to see there is no waste or undue amounts used. It is also well now and then to ascertain that the quantity of milk ordered is actually left, and to weigh meat and bread. Where you have a conscientious, careful woman there is no need for supervision ; she will do it herself. But where young and in- experienced girls are in charge it is hardly fair to put temptation in their way by leaving them to their own devices. Usual Dress for Coolcs Cooks should always wear washing dresses and white aprons, with coarse ones for clean- ing purposes. Black dresses and fine aprons are usually worn in the afternoon. Frequently cooks do not wear caps, except in houses where they are expected to answer the front door. The Duties of a Parlourmaid In many large establishments parlour- maids have taken the place of menservants, it being thought that they are less expensive to keep, do more work, and ask lower wages. In many houses there may be a head par- lourmaid, with one or more undermaids, or she may be single-handed, or classed as a house-parlourmaid. Wages vary from about £id> to £^o. The correct wear for a parlourmaid in 'the morning is a print dress, white cap and apron ; and in the afternoon a black dress, WOMAN'S HOME and turned-down white collar and cuffs, muslin cap and bib-apron. These are usually provided by the maid herself. Should, as so often is the case, a uniform be worn, it would be suppUed by the mistress. Quiet shoes are one of the most important items in the dress of a parlourmaid, as not only are heavy, creaky ones most disturbing, but also the maid, in her endeavour to walk quietly, usually becomes awkward and slow of movement. Care of Hands A parlourmaid is expected to take care that her hands do not become roughened and stained with her manual work, and even if she has a considerable amount of it to do, there is no reason why her hands should appear neglected if only she invari- ably wears washleather gloves when doing grates, etc., and frequently rubs her nails and hands with lemon. The appearance of a parlourmaid is of considerable importance, those possessing tall, trim figures being in far greater demand than short, stout individuals on account of their more graceful movements when wailing at table. Unless already acquired, some slight drilling is often necessary to teach an inexperienced parlourmaid how to announce visitors, etc., in a clear, distinct, yet not loud voice. Parlourmaids, as well as valeting the gentlemen, are often expected to help pack, etc., and render any assistance needed when there is no ladies '-maid. Extra Duties If the family is large, or there is not a between-maid, the parlourmaid is often relieved of the care of flowers, writing materials, etc., in order that she may have more time for her pantry work, silver, etc. She would also have to do the grates of the dining-room and library, unless a special arrangement has been made that all grates are done by the housemaid, who, in her turn, is relieved of some of the dusting, or receives help from the parlourmaid in making the beds. PARLOLRMAID'S TIME TABLE Cook and housemaid and beiween-maid also kept. 6.30 a.m. : Sweep and dust dining-room ; brush and take up gentlemen's clothes ; lay dining-room breakfast ; have morn- ing papers ready ; have own breakfast. 8.30 .• Wait at dining-room breakfast ; finish library ; see io ink, blotting- paper, elc. ; clear dining-room break- fast, and wash up. 10.30 ; Dust drawing-room ; see io flowers and plants ; attend io silver, castors, lamps, etc. ; be ready to answer sitting- room bells and front door ; attend to fires ; do any special duties for the day. 12.30 p.m. : Change dress; set and serve luncheon ; make up fires and tidy sitting-rooms. 2.0 .• Have own dinner ; take in coffee, if required ; clear luncheon ; wash up ; do mending of table linen or gentlemen^s clothes. 4.30 ; Prepare and take in afternoon tea. 5.0 ; Have own tea ; light up house, time according to season ; clear tea, and wash up tea things. 6.30 .• Put out gentlemen's evening clothes ; ring dressing-gong ; lay dinner-cloth ; see to fires ; tidy room. 7.30 .• Wait at dinner ; serve coffee ; clear dinner ; wash up ; take in cerated waters, etc., at 10 o'clock. 10.30 .• Lock up house ; put out lights ; bed. 1 his series will be continued.