My friend would have worn and liked a nurse’s uniform, but she objected to a family livery.  On this question they parted; and her employer hired an uncouth, ignorant woman to be her child’s companion and to give it its first impressions.

12.  In most houses, however elegant, the girls have no home privacy; they must sleep, not only in the same room, but most frequently in the same bed; it is rarely thought necessary to make that room pleasant or even warm for them to dress by or to sit in to do their own sewing.  The little tastes and notions of each member of the family, down to the youngest, are provided for; but a “girl” is not supposed to have any.  She is just a “girl,” as a gridiron is a gridiron, an article bought for the convenience of the family.  If she suits, use her till she is worn out and then throw her away.

13.  To go into house service, even from the most wretched slop or factory work, is to lose caste in our own world; it may be a very narrow world, but it is all to us.  A saleswoman or cashier or teacher is ashamed to associate with servants.

14.  The very words, “No followers,” would keep us out of such occupation.  No self-respecting young woman is going to put herself in a position where she is not allowed to entertain her friends, both male and female; nor where, if allowed, the only place thought fit for them is the kitchen.

Now, the above is not theory, but testimony, taken by the present writer from the lips of intelligent working-girls, many of whom would be better off at housework than at their present occupations, except for the objections.  And from a consideration thereof results this query:  Given a certain number of young women of a class superior to the imported, willing to take service under the following conditions, how many housekeepers would agree to the conditions?—­

     1.  The heaviest work, as washing, carrying coal, scrubbing
     pavements, and the like, to be provided for, if this be asked, with
     consequent deduction in wages.

     2.  In families, where practicable, certain hours of absolute
     freedom while in the house, especially with the child’s nurse.

     3.  Such a way of speaking, both to and of your house help, as
     testifies to the world that you really do consider housework as
     respectable as other occupations.

     4.  A well-warmed, well-furnished room, with separate beds when
     desired; and the use of a decent place and appointments at meals.

5.  The privilege of seeing friends, whether male or female; of a better part of the house than the kitchen in which to receive them; and security from espionage during their visits,—­this accompanied by proper restrictions as to evening hours, and under the condition that the work is not neglected.

     6.  No livery, if objected to.