DOMESTIC SERVICE.
[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—I have only just read the Spectator of August 17th, but I feel I must write and say how much interested I am in " C. C.'s" letter on " Domestic Service." Her idea of co-operation between mistress and maid, not merely as regards work, but also as regards the happiness and comfort of each other, comes much nearer to the mark than all the "early cups of tea," "mistresses' unions," &c. I can speak from experience. I have a house with four servants—one came in 1879, another in 1884, the housemaid and kitchenmaid in 1914, taking the places of maids who had been long in the house, but who left—one to go to America, and ,the other to be married. The household goes on smoothly and happily, each side trying to help each other, the servants' suggestions often being taken on subjects I feel they understand better than I do. They arrange between themselves about getting out in the after- noons. On Sunday afternoons they are all free, and the visitors and I get tea. They can have their near relations to stay, but they plan these visits to suit the convenience of the house. I feel there is a want somewhere in the ordinary houses between mistress and maid; there must be a give-and-take on both sides, and while we as mistresses often make mistakes we expect the maids to be perfect, and not only ordinary human beings like ourselves. When I married—twenty-eight years ago—I was advised by nearly all my friends to start with a fresh household of servants (not with those who had lived in a bachelor's establishment). I have never once regretted having taken my own opinion, for I have been served well and kindly, and, as I often tell ID, servants, I understand that theirs is a "service of love," and when they return from their holidays they often tell me they are glad to be
" home " again.—I am, Sir, &e., M. M.
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