the way for other
reigns of terror which a little personal application of
do-as-you-would-be-done-by could have prevented. Investigate these
references, either in person or by letter; otherwise you may discover
later on that they were forged by the girl herself or by some of her
accommodating friends.

AGREEMENTS

The term of service is determined by an agreement between mistress and
maid. The usual custom is to take the applicant for a week's trial;
if, at the expiration of that time, both are satisfied, the arrangement
continues from week to week, if the payments are weekly. In households
in which monthly payments are preferred the maid is hired by the month.
The agreement entered into is nothing more nor less than a legal
contract, and not to be lightly violated. When serving by the week the
maid is entitled to, and must also give, three days' notice; when by
the month a week's notice is required, or if for any reason her
mistress wishes her to leave at once, she may pay her one week's wages.
If the maid leaves suddenly and without giving notice, in the middle of
her term, she forfeits all claim to wages which have accrued since her
last payment. If discharged unjustly and without sufficient cause
before the expiration of her term, she is entitled to her wages in
full; but if discharged without notice because of intoxication,
immorality, dishonesty, arrant disobedience, or permanent incapacity
from illness, she can claim nothing. It is customary with some
housekeepers to start the new maid on a comparatively low salary, with
the promise of an increase of perhaps fifty cents per month, in case
she proves herself worthy, till the maximum is reached. This is often
an incentive to good service.

THE MAID'S LEISURE TIME

Her times of leisure vary somewhat, according to circumstances; but one
week-day afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon and evening of
each week are usually allowed her, though she may be given only every
other Sunday. If an extra evening can be given her, all well and good.
The maid should be able to count on getting away at a certain hour so
she can arrange to meet her friends; and she must also understand that
ten o'clock is to see her in the house, that hour being as late as any
girl ought to be out. In homes which employ two maids equal privileges
are granted each, one assuming the work of the other during her
absence. It is a simple matter to arrange for light meals on th