aking of their employers, either
in praise or blame, is as essential in their absence, as good manners
and respectful conduct in their presence.

2235. Some of the duties of the valet we have just hinted at in treating
of the duties of the footman in a small family. His day commences by
seeing that his master's dressing-room is in order; that the housemaid
has swept and dusted it properly; that the fire is lighted and burns
cheerfully; and some time before his master is expected, he will do well
to throw up the sash to admit fresh air, closing it, however, in time to
recover the temperature which he knows his master prefers. It is now his
duty to place the body-linen on the horse before the fire, to be aired
properly; to lay the trousers intended to be worn, carefully brushed and
cleaned, on the back of his master's chair; while the coat and
waistcoat, carefully brushed and folded, and the collar cleaned, are
laid in their place ready to put on when required. All the articles of
the toilet should be in their places, the razors properly set and
stropped, and hot water ready for use.

2236. Gentlemen generally prefer performing the operation of shaving
themselves, but a valet should be prepared to do it if required; and he
should, besides, be a good hairdresser. Shaving over, he has to brush
the hair, beard, and moustache, where that appendage is encouraged,
arranging the whole simply and gracefully, according to the age and
style of countenance. Every fortnight, or three weeks at the utmost, the
hair should be cut, and the points of the whiskers trimmed as often as
required. A good valet will now present the various articles of the
toilet as they are wanted; afterwards, the body-linen, neck-tie, which
he will put on, if required, and, afterwards, waistcoat, coat, and
boots, in suitable order, and carefully brushed and polished.

2237. Having thus seen his master dressed, if he is about to go out, the
valet will hand him his cane, gloves, and hat, the latter well brushed
on the outside with a soft brush, and wiped inside with a clean
handkerchief, respectfully attend him to the door, and open it for him,
and receive his last orders for the day.

2238. He now proceeds to put everything in order in the dressing-room,
cleans the combs and brushes, and brushes and folds up any clothes that
may be left about the room, and puts them away in the drawers.

2239. Gentlemen are sometimes indifferent as to their clothes and
app