rsion. Don't begrudge it to her when it is of the right
kind. Like you, she needs rest occasionally, between whiles; make an
opportunity for it. She needs good strengthening food; see that she
has it, and if she prefers plain living and high thinking on bread and
tea, that's her own lookout. She probably will have strong leanings
toward the jam closet; lock the door and keep the key, and leave no
money, jewelry, or other valuables carelessly about to tempt her,
perhaps beyond her strength. Don't be overnice in your exactions; if
she is even a fairly good cook, waitress, and laundress, you are indeed
blessed among women. Give judicious praise or kindly criticism where
due; sometimes a warning in time will save nine blunders. While she is
under your roof and a member of your family you are in a measure
responsible for her welfare, moral, spiritual, and physical, and are
her natural and lawful protector. She may neither need nor want your
protection, but let her feel that it is there, none the less.

HOW TO SELECT A MAID

And now, how shall we find this person to assist us in making domestic
life "one grand, sweet song"--we hope! The usual way is to apply to a
reputable agency where you will find the better class of girls and be
dealt with honestly. An agency of this kind usually keeps on file the
references of girls offering themselves for service, which will give
you at least some idea of the qualifications of the maid you may
engage. Many housekeepers advertise in the daily papers or trades
journals, the advertisement being a concise statement of the location,
whether city or country, the kind of service expected, and the wages
paid. A third and usually most satisfactory way of obtaining help is
through some friend, who can back her recommendation with a guarantee.
Having entered your application, decide upon your plan of action in the
interview which will take place when Dame Maid presents herself for the
mutual inspection--mutual because, though 'tis not hers to "reason
why," she has a perfect right to know what awaits her. This
cross-examination is somewhat of an ordeal, especially to the novice in
the servant-hiring business. It is essential for the housekeeper to
know just what questions to put to the applicant, what questions to
look for in return, what to tell her of the household regime and of her
individual part in it; in short, she must know her ground and then
stand on it--it is hardly nece