Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/31

 13 WOMAN'S HOME berries have been cut quite short and the The candle-shades should be blue, with a triangle formed of them with their serrated silver fringe; the menu cards also blue, leaves on either side. with a bow of silver cord tied in one corner Many people avoid terra-cotta flowers for of each. The dinner rolls, also, might be table use, but when used in conjunction with bound with pale-blue bébé ribbons, and the pale blue and plenty of shining silver they cheese straws with silver cord. are remarkably attractive. The aster is a formal flower, and does not To arrange the table, form a lattice work look graceful in vases, but it is useful and of ribbon in the form of a diamond. The effective for designs on the table. palest blue satin ribbon, about one inch The variety grown with large blossoms in a wide, is best for the purpose. In the centre pretty shade of rose pink look well on the of this stand the tall vase, and the smaller white cloth. Arrange them in circles with ones at the corners of the ribbon centre, a vase of autumn leaves in the centre of connect the corner vases to the centre with each circle. Place circles of them also garlands of ribbon, which should be tied in around the candelabra, around which also a pretty bow round the stem of each vase. should be twined a spray of autumn leaves. THE SERVANT QUESTION Daily Work in Seven-roomed House-Family-Master, Mistress, and Child The servant question is always with us, and fare, unless she has agreed to do so before- mistresses are never weary of discussing hand, though sometimes an attempt is made the delinquencies of their domestic staff. to demand it. Now, granting that lazy, ignorant, and, During the interview it is wise to ascertain : worse still, dishonest domestics are bound 1. Why she left the last situation. now and then to throw a gloom over the 2. What wages she desires. joys of home, still it is far from fair to 3. If her health is good. condemn the whole for the sins of the few. 4. What experience she has had. The mistress who is always changing her 5. What hours off and holidays she maids, and who is always badly served, expects. must first examine and correct the ways of If possible, show the girl the house, kitchen, her household before she can hope for and her own room. Explain clearly all better luck. A good mistress makes a details of the situation, such as number in good maid," and vice versa. family, hours for rising and coming in, dress, There are very many pitfalls into which and so forth, so that she knows what is the inexperienced mistress may stumble when expected of her. first engaging servants, and a few hints on the OBTAINING CHARACTERS matter will probably save much worry. If the first interview is mutually satisfac- HOW TO OBTAIN SERVANTS tory, the next move is to write to the lady who It is no easy matter to secure quickly the is to give the character. Written recom- treasure for whom you are seeking. Do mendations are to be avoided if in any way not be in a hurry and take anyone ; it only possible, as many false characters are thus entails expense, much vexation, constant obtained; the address of an empty house in changes, and a bad reputation in the neigh a good neighbourhood being given, the care- bourhood, because it is soon said that "no taker of which is a friend or relative of the one ever stops with Mrs. So-and-So.' applicant. This friend opens the letter and Better by far put up with temporary replies in glowing terms about So-and-So's help than with someone who is unsuitable. honesty, cleanliness, etc. It is a moot question whether it is better to WAGES find servants (1) through the medium of a registry office or (2) advertisements, or Wages are usually paid monthly, dating (3) through friends or tradespeople. from the day on which the servant enters No. I answers well if you deal with a the situation. thoroughly good office where the head has a Keep a wage-book, enter each payment, good reputation to keep up, and who charges and always require the payee's signature. a small booking fee of a is. or thereabouts, Unless a special arrangement is made, and then an engagement fee when the appli- remember no deduction may be made from cant is suited. wages for breakages, or for illness. No. 3 is not always practicable, as it is a HOLIDAYS slow method, therefore No. 2 (an advertise- No mistress can nowadays hope to keep ment in a first-class paper) is generally the best. servants unless she allows them reasonable State your requirements briefly, but and healthy relaxation. Usually one even- plainly, and it is wise to conclude with the ing a week is given, between the hours of words “ No registries," if you do not desire about 6 and 10, alternate Sunday after- to deal with any, otherwise you are apt to noons and evenings, and, perhaps, an extra be inundated with letters. afternoon and evening once a month. INTERVIEWS The yearly holiday ranges from a week A personal interview is necessary. No to a fortnight. Fresh air and exercise are mistress is bound to pay the applicant's as essential for the maid as for the mistress,