h breaks up often, can rarely get a first-
class domestic. The "place" has been boycotted, a good servant will
sooner remain idle than enter it. If circumstances are too much for him
and he accepts the situation, it is with his eyes open, knowing
infinitely more about his new employers and their failings than they
dream of, or than they could possibly find out about him.

One thing never can be sufficiently impressed on people, viz.: that we
are forced to live with detectives, always behind us in caps or dress-
suits, ready to note every careless word, every incautious criticism of
friend or acquaintance--their money matters or their love affairs--and
who have nothing more interesting to do than to repeat what they have
heard, with embroideries and additions of their own. Considering this,
and that nine people out of ten talk quite oblivious of their servants'
presence, it is to be wondered at that so little (and not that so much)
trouble is made.

It always amuses me when I ask a friend if she is going abroad in the
spring, to have her say "Hush!" with a frightened glance towards the
door.

"I am; but I do not want the servants to know, or the horrid things would
leave me!"

Poor, simple lady! They knew it before you did, and had discussed the
whole matter over their "tea" while it was an almost unuttered thought in
your mind. If they have not already given you notice, it is because, on
the whole your house suits them well enough for the present, while they
look about. Do not worry your simple soul, trying to keep anything from
them. They know the amount of your last dressmaker's bill, and the row
your husband made over it. They know how much you would have liked young
"Croesus" for your daughter, and the little tricks you played to bring
that marriage about. They know why you are no longer asked to dine at
Mrs. Swell's, which is more than you know yourself. Mrs. Swell explained
the matter to a few friends over her lunch-table recently, and the butler
told your maid that same evening, who was laughing at the story as she
put on your slippers!

Before we blame them too much, however, let us remember that they have it
in their power to make great trouble if they choose. And considering the
little that is made in this way, we must conclude that, on the whole,
they are better than we give them credit for being, and fill a trying
situation with much good humor and kindliness. The lady who is
astonished tha