Chapter I: Preface

Some years have elapsed since these chapters on ‘Servants and Service’ were first issued as a series in the _Girl’s Own Paper._ I have reason to know, from many subsequent communications, that they have not been written in vain, but have proved useful to, and been highly commended alike by, mistresses and maids. Members of both classes have borne testimony especially to the fairness with which a somewhat difficult social question has been treated therein.

Whilst rejoicing over the good results which have already followed the serial publication of these papers, I hope and pray that their re-issue as a volume may greatly increase their usefulness.

I must not omit to mention that I am not the author of the appended chapter, No. XI., on ‘The legal rights of employers and employed.’ It contains most valuable information, but is contributed by a writer much better informed on legal subjects than I can claim to be.

RUTH LAMB.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE

I. INTRODUCTORY 9

II. HONOURABLE SERVICE 20

III. ‘HAIR-SPLITTERS’ 32

IV. IN THE NURSERY 44

V. INFLUENCE OVER CHILDREN. BEAR AND FORBEAR 55

VI. THOROUGHNESS. ECONOMY OF TIME. CARE
OF PROPERTY. PUNCTUALITY 68

VII. ON FAULT-FINDING, GIVING NOTICE TO LEAVE,
AND GIVING CHARACTERS 81

VIII. DRESS. VISITORS. SYMPATHY IN CHRISTIAN
WORK 96

IX. FOLLOWERS AND FRIENDS. HELPS TO YOUNG
SERVANTS. GIFTS FROM VISITORS 108

X. THE ONE SOURCE OF STRENGTH 135

XI. THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYED 145

SERVANTS AND SERVICE.