(TO THE EDITOE or THE "SPECTATOR."] Sza,—Having followed with interest
the correspondence on " Domestic Service" in your columns lately, we, as servants of some years' standing, would like to give our opinion. We- think with "F. W." that the chief objections to doineitie service mire "lose of social status" and "lack of liberty." Still, living with broad-minded, patriotic people, we consider our lot far better than that of many girls working in shops, itc. We agree with our mistress that under the present conditions it is unpatriotic to employ a number of servants who might otherwise be engaged on Government work; so now the cook cheerfully does her own kitchen (and also assists the lady with care of chickens); the housemaid is single-handed; and the late "maid " has taken the parlourmaid's place. Of course, this is harder for all, but we are glad to do our bit for the country in this way, and servants are always willing to work for a good mistress. We have pleasant, airy bedrooms, conveniently furnished; and a sitting-room with comfortable chairs, and a sewing-machine, where we make our own clothes. We arrange outings between ourselves, which we consider a much better plan than the usual "evening a week." A lady who expects girls to ask permission to go to post is hardly likely to keep her servants, at any rats) of the better class. Our mistress considers we are capable of taking an interest in current topics, so lends us newspapers, magazines, and good books, which we greatly appreciate. Another privilege for which we are grateful is that of occasionally having a sister or a friend to stay a few days. We entirely disagree with " Dissatisfied Servant." Girls certainly do not wish the lady to bring them tea in bed; and most servants realize that it is to their own advantage to rise early and get their work done in the morning. We are convinced that if more mistresses acted somewhat on the lines we have tried to indicate little or nothing would be heard of the "Servant [As one of our correspondents has expressed a doubt as to the genuineness of letters we have published from domestic servants, we may my that we have satisfied ourselves on this point by verifying names and addresses.—En. Spectator.]
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