e
cook's day out, and to minimize the serving when the waitress is to be
away. When night dinner is the custom and but one maid employed, she
either goes from ten until four, leaving her mistress to prepare
luncheon, or else, if she is away over the dinner hour, the meals are
shifted, with dinner at noon and tea at night. She leaves on Sunday
immediately after the dinner work is done and does not return to
prepare tea. If she prefers to spend her leisure time quietly at home
reading or sewing, she should be encouraged to do so and not be forced
to go out in self-defense to escape calls for extra work at that time.
The mistress has no claim on her maid's "off" hours.

DRESS AND PERSONAL NEATNESS

The maid's uniform consists of three print gowns, with a gingham apron
for morning wear, and for afternoons a white apron with white collar or
kerchief and cuffs, cap, or whatever additional touches her mistress
may prefer. The maid usually buys her own gowns, while her mistress
provides the accessories, which remain her property when the maid
leaves. The afternoon dress of one week becomes the morning dress of
the following. Black is frequently adopted for afternoon wear, but
whatever the dress, insist upon its being washable; woolens absorb
odors and perspiration and in time make not only her person but her
room offensive. Issue an edict against frowzy pompadours and
"frizzes," pointing out the necessity for having smooth, neat hair,
particularly in the kitchen. Require her to bathe regularly. The
question of allowing the maid to use the bathroom must be settled
individually. If she is careful about cleaning the tub and leaving
things in good order, there seems to be no reason why she, who so needs
them, should be deprived of advantages for cleanliness which the rest
of us enjoy. "Standing on one foot in a slippery washbowl," footbath,
or even larger tub, is a poor substitute. Instruct her about arranging
her clothing at night so it will air. You may even find, if she is a
just-over foreigner, that you will have to introduce her to the
nightdress--such things have happened--explaining to her the
undesirability of sleeping in underclothing which she has worn all day.

CARELESSNESS

If a girl is habitually careless about handling the dishes, and breaks,
nicks, and cracks result, hold her responsible and deduct from her
wages what you consider a fair equivalent for the loss. Such a course
is astonishing