Servants and service

‘No followers allowed.’

These words form no unfrequent ending to an advertisement in that column wherein the wants of mistresses are specially set forth. The expression is very comprehensive, and no doubt intended to take in visitors of every class that might be likely to inquire for a servant. But in most minds the word ‘follower’ has its particular as well as its general meaning, and one always associates it with a masculine hanger-on.

In a former chapter of this volume I said a few words about general visitors, and what should be the conduct both of mistresses and maids with regard to them. Now we will consider the ‘follower’ who may be trying to gain the affection of one of our servants, or be actually engaged to her.

We who are mothers know by experience how deep is the interest excited throughout the whole family by the engagement of a much-loved child, especially that of a daughter. Perhaps it is even greater than in the case of a son, though our boys and girls are equally dear to us. But there is a difference in the way we look at them when the time comes for marrying and giving in marriage.

Probably for years before our son takes such a step he has been going in and out in the world, playing the man’s part, and fighting its battles side by side with other men. From protecting them as she used to do, the gentle mother has learned to look up to her stalwart sons as the ones on whom, next to the father, she might herself lean. And when one of her boys goes out from the old roof to a home of his own, it is to take under his firm, but, we trust, tender guardianship, the daughter of some other loving mother. The son leaves father and mother, and cleaves to the wife whom he is pledged to protect, to comfort, to cherish, and to keep while life lasts.

But the daughter’s out-going is different. She leaves the shelter of her old home, and the loving arms of the parents whose tender foresight has hitherto anticipated her wants and shielded her from every blast of trouble or temptation that human guardians have power to turn aside.

The boy went out years ago, rejoicing in his youth and masculine strength, and proud to put it to the proof. The girl, when she passes from the roof of her parents to be mistress under that of a husband, often goes out to act an independent part for the first time in her life. Feeling doubtful as to her perfect fitness for the solemn duties before her, she looks back for counsel and guidance to the one who, if a true mother, has ever been ready with both. And the mother, if she is also a wise one, will advise without interfering, and influence for good without intruding on the almost sacred independence of her child’s new position and the privacy of her home.

Naturally, from the very instant that the daughter is sought, the mother is on the alert to satisfy herself as to the worthiness of him who seeks to win her child. The subject is all-important, for it involves the happiness or misery of her darling’s future life, and, as a matter of sympathy, will seriously affect her own. Should she believe the individual unworthy, what efforts will she not make to shield her child from the evil which would result from a connection with him? If otherwise, how the mother’s memory goes back to her own young days, and, in the happiness of her daughter, lives them over again. Her heart expands to take in another son, her mind is full of plans on behalf of her darling, and she rejoices over her and with her with exceeding joy.

Why have I written all this about mother and daughter, and of the days when the girl is sought, wooed, and won? What has this to do with the little maid in the kitchen, or the neat-handed Phillis who waits so deftly at table, and who, while constrained to look unconscious, is very wide awake as to what is going on, and, for reasons of her own, very full of sympathy? Why? Because surely the mother whose interest in her own daughter’s welfare is so deep and absorbing, should have a little care and sympathy and interest to spare for her young kitchen-maid or pretty waiting damsel, whose circumstances are in some respects similar to those of her darling girl.

These have had to leave their mothers very early in life. Often when they are still children, barely in their teens, the young creatures have begun breadwinning, and learned to shift and act for themselves when they most needed the mother’s eye to watch over them, and the wise word which might have kept many a wanderer from straying into dangerous paths. Surely, when we take these girls to be members of our households, we should try not only to guard the safety of our homes, but the safety and purity of these daughters of far-away mothers.

The rule, ‘No followers allowed,’ carried out with rigid particularity, may preserve our houses from idle or dangerous intruders; but, on the other hand, it throws our young servants more into the power of worthless and dissolute young men, who seek their company with no good intentions towards them. Sometimes, perhaps, such followers may only want to while away an idle hour in the company of a bright girl with a pretty face, and the girl may think no harm can result from merely talking to, or walking out with, one of whom she knows almost nothing, and whose acquaintance she has made in the street.

But the end of such intercourse is often very sad, too sad to say much about in these pages. Often the young, ignorant country girl, new to town service and city ways, is induced to accompany her ‘follower’ to some objectionable place of amusement. She stays out later than the appointed hour for her return, and gets into disgrace with her employers, who threaten dismissal should the offence be repeated.

Perhaps the ‘follower’ next waylays the girl as she is going on an errand, hears the story of her mistress’s displeasure, laughs at it, and encourages the foolish young thing to ‘give it her back.’ The girl believes what she is told, that she can get as good a place any day, for there are more places than servants to fill them. She likes the flattery which praises her pretty face, and carries out the evil counsel of the wily tongue.

Again the mistress has to chide her for her lagging steps, having been kept waiting whilst her young messenger spent her time in gossip. The lady has cause for complaint, and the girl knows it. But she has been incited to rudeness and rebellion, and instead of expressing regret, or promising amendment, she is saucy and defiant at first, then sullen and disobedient. So begins the trouble which too often ends in loss of place and character to the girl herself, and of life-long sorrow to the mother in her country home.

This is one instance where a little motherly oversight and a few wise words spoken kindly and in season might have saved a young life from blight and sorrow. I say might, I dare not say would, because there are girls who are too headstrong to permit the interference of a mistress in matters with which they consider she has nothing to do.

Perhaps the mistress is too much put out by the girl’s conduct to take this trouble. She sees her wilful, pert, or sullen, and concludes to let her take her own way, saying to herself, ‘She will rue it before long. She will have to pay for her folly and impertinence, and wish too late that she had valued the home she now enjoys under this roof.’

Dear mistresses, let me plead with you on behalf of these wilful young creatures who rush headlong into the society and the paths which cannot tend to good. Do not let their folly influence you to loose even the weak hold you may have upon them, without an effort to save them from themselves. ‘Be not overcome of evil,’ but strive ‘to overcome evil with good.’ You are older, have greater experience, and should also have more self-control. So conquer the inclination to be angry, though you may be justly displeased. Think of your own young days, when you had, and most likely needed, constant oversight, patience, and forbearance from a tender mother. Think how you were guarded all round from the risks which your young handmaiden, so early sent out into the world, has to encounter at every step of her way, and how in turn you guard your own more favoured children from the chance of temptation. And thinking of all these things, lay a kind hand upon the girl’s shoulder. Look into her face with an expression on yours which shall tell her that it is because her well-being is dear to you that you seek her confidence, and desire to restrain her steps and influence her in the choice of her companions.

If you succeed in convincing the girl of your anxiety for her real good, and save her from the probable consequences of her giddiness and folly, she will bless you, and most likely repay you by future faithful service. And if not, you will have done what you could; and while you may grieve over your ill success, conscience will approve, and the effort that sprang from a loving motherly heart will not be forgotten by the Master you have striven to obey and imitate.

As your true friend, dear girls, let me urge you to receive in a right spirit the advice of your employers, even in things which you, perhaps, think outside their province. The daughter, though out of a mother’s sight, would not say that she was for that reason freed from a mother’s authority. If, therefore, a mistress interests herself in your well-being when you are outside the home, is desirous that your companions should be of the right kind, and inquires especially into the character, conduct, and prospects of any one who may seek you for a wife, be thankful. Do not think that she does it out of a prying spirit or to serve any selfish end. Remember, it is just what she has done in the case of her own child, and rejoice that she cares enough for you to be anxious, not only for your present comfort, but for your life-long happiness.

Mistresses should encourage, and servants should practise, perfect openness with regard to ‘followers’ or engagements. Yet there are faults on both sides, faults of concealment and of selfishness which ought not to exist.

For instance, a young girl engaged herself as parlour-maid to a lady who was accustomed to keep her servants a long time and to be most considerate in her treatment of them. This girl went with an excellent character. She had given up her place only because her late employers were removing to a distance, and she did not wish to leave the neighbourhood. Her parents’ home was near, and this seemed quite a sufficient reason why she did not choose to quit it.

The girl’s conduct fully justified the character given, and the lady congratulated herself on having so easily filled the vacancy caused by the marriage of a much-valued servant. At the end of two months, she was amazed at receiving the usual notice from Hannah that she was about to give up her place.

‘Leave in a month!’ said the lady. ‘You cannot mean it. You are only just settled, as it were, and I am thoroughly satisfied with the way in which you do your work. I looked forward to keeping you for years. What is your reason for wishing to go?’

The girl hesitated, blushed, and at last owned that she was going to be married at the month’s end.

Thinking that Hannah must have entered into the engagement very suddenly, the lady asked her if she were well acquainted with the character of the man to whom she was so soon to be united.

‘Oh dear, yes, ma’am,’ replied Hannah cheerfully. ‘We went to school together when we were quite little children. We have been engaged five years. It was because he lived here, and we were going to be married so soon, that I would not leave this neighbourhood. I wanted to see to things for our house, and to help George to choose what was wanted. I couldn’t have done that if I had been at a distance, so I took your place just for the three months, as I didn’t want to be idle or lose that much of wages.’

The lady was justly annoyed at the girl’s selfishness, and said, ‘You ought to have been frank with me, Hannah, and told me exactly how you were situated. I little thought, as you went about doing your duties so well, that all the while you were simply making a convenience of me and my place to suit your own.’

Hannah looked a little ashamed, but, I am afraid, was better satisfied at having gained her end than sorry for the annoyance caused to an excellent mistress.

Another instance of selfishness which came under my notice was on the mistress’s side. Her children’s nurse, who had been most devoted to her young charges, and stayed several years in her place, gave notice to leave. She, too, was going to be married.

‘How very tiresome!’ said the mistress, with a look of annoyance and without one sympathetic word. ‘I never thought you would leave us. But it is always the way with you servants. You never think of the inconvenience a change may cause, and specially in the nursery. There is Harry, poor child! you know he is so used to you that he will not even let me attend to him. I wonder you have the heart to leave him.’

And the lady left the nursery with an injured look, to pour out her grievances in the ear of her husband.

The nurse had been allowed no chance of reply, or she could have told that love for the invalid boy had induced her to put off her marriage for a year, in order that she might watch him through a critical period. That her devotion to Harry had supplied the maternal care the boy needed, but would never have received from the selfish mother, who would say, ‘I trust you thoroughly, Jephson.’ Then, with scarcely a glance at her boy’s face, she would leave him to the care of the faithful nurse, whilst her evenings were spent amid gay scenes and under other roofs than her own.

No wonder that Jephson felt bitterly the selfishness and want of sympathy in her butterfly mistress, and left that house and the children she had tended with a sore heart and a sense of injustice.

‘After the way I was treated, I could not have said another word about my own affairs for the world,’ she remarked. ‘I just stayed my time, did my work same as usual, held my tongue, and left when the day came. And the mistress sent my wages to me, and never came near to say “good-bye,” or “I wish you well, Jephson.” It was hard to leave Master Harry, bless him! and I don’t suppose his mamma will let him be brought to see me. But I could not go to that house again, even for the child’s sake, though I had lived so many years there.’

No wonder that even love for her nursling was insufficient to conquer the faithful woman’s sense of his mother’s selfishness. In this case the servant would have been only too glad to make her mistress fully acquainted with her position. But, while the lady trusted the servant with the care of her children, she neither felt nor manifested any interest in the person who had so long relieved her conscience of a sense of motherly responsibility towards her invalid boy.

I turn gladly from the last-quoted instances of selfishness in both mistress and maid, to recall much more agreeable pictures. I have pleasant memories of good and modest girls, who gladly appealed to the older and wiser heads of those they served, for the advice these were willing to give. Memories, too, of employers who, having first made careful inquiries into the characters of their servants’ suitors, and satisfied themselves of their respectability, have given them the privileges of seeing the girls at home, at reasonable times and intervals.

Surely this is the best way of protecting our young servants from becoming a prey to the influence of bad or merely idle hangers-on, whose acquaintance could not possibly be beneficial. For, consider, it is no more unsuitable for our servants to look forward to marriage, as a woman’s natural vocation, and a fitting end to service, than for our daughters to expect that they will be wives and mothers in their turn. Should we like our own girls to meet their lovers or affianced husbands in the streets, or in the houses of persons other than parents, and who have no power to influence them in any way?

If our servants have parents living in the neighbourhood, the responsibility naturally rests upon them. If not, a mistress can scarcely rid herself of it, with respect to the young girls in her service. I acknowledge that there are many drawbacks to the admission of the servant’s suitor to the master’s roof. One is often found in the shyness of a kindly, true-hearted young fellow himself, who means nothing but what is honourable and right to the girl who has won his affections. He has, perhaps, never crossed the threshold of such a house as she inhabits, and he fears that he should feel very bashful and awkward, especially in the presence of her fellow-servants.

As a rule, the girl’s manners are superior to those of her suitor. She may have come from a home like his own, and be the less educated of the two, and yet he is sensible of a difference vastly in her favour, because daily contact with persons of superior learning, position, and refinement has effected a great improvement in her speech and manners. So he is often the one to shrink from subjecting his country ways to the scrutiny of city eyes.

Again, as the kitchen is common ground for all the servants, there is often a difficulty about the apartment in which a girl may see her visitor. All such matters are for separate consideration, and fellow-servants may act with kindly sympathy and true delicacy towards each other under such circumstances.

I have seen difficulties overcome, opportunities a little out of the common afforded for the young people to meet respectably. Even an occasional avoidance of a portion of the grounds by the family has given Robert an opportunity of enjoying a pleasant stroll with Mary, or an hour of blissful quiet beneath the friendly shelter of the little summer-house, whilst the girl was actually within call the whole time.

I have seen mistress and maid go out together when the latter was about to begin housekeeping, that the former might give her the benefit of her greater experience in making purchases for the future home. I well remember one girl who said, ‘My bit of money would not have gone nearly so far, if it had not been for my mistress’s kind advice. I had never bought things for a house before, and I should have thought more about looks than service in my purchases. But she knew all about the quality and what would suit best, and she was so careful to see that I got my money’s worth. I don’t know how to thank her.’

Was not this a pleasant experience both for mistress and maid? Was the lady less honoured for her womanly and motherly conduct by the rest of her domestics? Or did she receive less willing service, because she had devoted a portion of time to promote the comfort of the girl after she had passed from under her roof? Assuredly not. Every act that shows recognition of one common humanity, and sympathy with its best and holiest feelings, not only diffuses happiness, but brings it to ourselves, and wins for us more hearty service.

I never like to turn from a pleasant picture to an ugly one, but I feel bound to give both sides. The rigid rule, ‘No followers allowed,’ is very often made and enforced, because the confidence of employers has been abused and kindness encroached upon. Trustworthy domestics pay penalty for the faults of others; and those who think the rule too severe, and are too upright to attempt evasion, will not take service where it is in operation.

I knew one young girl who applied for a situation, and was told by the mistress that no servants’ visitor, male or female, was ever allowed under her roof. ‘Then I need not trouble you any further, ma’am,’ said the girl very respectfully. ‘I have been engaged for three years to a young man whose character will bear looking into. We cannot marry for years to come, unless some change should take place, for he has a widowed mother to help, and two of her boys are not old enough to earn anything yet. But I am going to wait for him, if it be for ten years more. In my last place, James was allowed to come and see me at suitable times. He wanted nothing else, and he never had a crumb in the house except the lady herself wished him to stay to a meal, and asked him. My own parents live a long way off, and James’s mother too far for me to go to her house. He must come to me, and I have too much respect for him and myself to have a meeting-place, like many girls do.’

‘What do you mean by a meeting-place?’ asked the lady, interested by the girl’s frank words and honest face.

‘You know, ma’am, that young people may meet in the street, but they can’t stop there in all weathers, they must be under cover; and if they have no proper friends, they perhaps go to a public-house, or some place of amusement. It must be a cheap one, as they cannot afford to spend much money, and sometimes it is not a very good one, either for young men or girls. But what else is there? Well, some woman—maybe your charwoman, or laundress, or greengrocer’s wife—lets the young people have a place to sit and talk in, and they pay her for it, often enough with food or odds and ends that belong to their mistress.’

The lady reflected for a moment. She remembered instances of mysterious disappearances and extravagances which could never be accounted for, and then began to ask herself whether it might not be worth her while to relax the rule about visitors. She had taken servants before, who professed to agree to everything and promised everything; but the result had been deceit and frequent changes. Here was this girl, who brought a good character, whose honest face commended her at once, but who would not promise observance of the rule, ‘No followers allowed.’ Surely she would be better worth having than many plausible but unreliable applicants for the place, who professed to look shocked at the very suggestion of male visitors.

‘I think I will see your late mistress,’ she said; ‘and if I find that you have never abused the liberty she allowed, I may give the same.’ The girl’s face brightened, as she replied,—

‘I shall be very glad, ma’am. You will find I have told you the truth. I should not be seeking a new place, but my mistress is giving up her own house to live with two unmarried sons at a distance.’

Inquiry satisfied the lady, and she engaged the girl, who years afterwards married from the house, and carried with her to her new home many marks of goodwill from her employers.

In the matter of ‘followers’ I do not for a moment presume to say that one rule could possibly apply in all cases. I merely give real instances and experiences, and leave mistresses and maids to act and judge for themselves. Only to the former I would say again, ‘Remember your own young days. Think of your own daughters, and, as you would lead them aright and shield them from evil, strive to advise and influence your servants. Not by continual preaching. Say the word in season, and say it in such a manner that the girls may be convinced that you speak from a real desire to benefit them, not yourselves.’

And, dear girls, be true. Do not make promises for the sake of securing a place, when you never intend to keep them. But if the rules of a house are such as you could not conform to, follow the example of the girl I have told you about. Explain your position candidly and respectfully, and leave the lady to decide whether it is worth her while to relax a rule in favour of you or not.

I might suggest one or two safeguards to young girls fresh from the country. Many of you have been Sunday scholars, and some would like to continue such, were the opportunity allowed you. Ask for it, and probably you will find that mistresses will make a little sacrifice, in order to promote what must tend to their servants’ benefit. If girls of their own accord ask for continued opportunities of instruction in God’s Word, and prefer the Sunday-school or adult Bible-class to the streets when it is their day out, I think most mistresses would gladly encourage such a preference.

Young Welsh girls, in particular, will often sacrifice something in order to be near a place of worship where service is conducted in their native tongue, and they show how they value the Sunday-school by continuing as scholars years after the usual age of leaving. Since those whom they meet must have similar tastes, this fact secures for them the kind of associates that Christian employers would choose for their servants.

The Girls’ Friendly Society (see No. 168 of The Girls’ Own Paper) offers great advantages to such as are at a distance from home and friends. It is for the benefit of young persons in business, mill-hands, and even workhouse girls, as well as domestic servants; and I would advise all who are eligible to join it. It is for young people of all religious denominations.

Above all other guides and helpers, however, let me impress upon you, dear girls, the importance of seeking the aid of the Holy Spirit at every step of your way. If there is one act which is all-important, surely it is that which links your fate and your future life with that of a partner who must be yours for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. Do not, then, begin an acquaintance without considering the end, and asking yourself whether it will tend to your spiritual good; whether it will merely give you a husband, or unite you to one who will walk with you on the narrow path that leads to everlasting life, will strengthen your steps, and help you, day by day, to love God more and serve Him better. Marriage is either the best and holiest of earthly ties, or it differs widely from what our loving Father in heaven meant it to be.

May all who read these chapters be kept from entering on such solemn obligations without earnest thought and prayer, and, whatever be the worldly advantages, may they only contract such marriages as they feel that God will indeed own and bless!

I have been much touched by the conduct of girls, themselves quite young, towards the still younger sisters left in the old home. The eldest of a family who gets a situation and does well, frequently sends for her sisters in turn, and helps them to obtain employment. Sometimes a first place has not been a success, or the younger girl has not had sufficient experience to fill it properly, and leaves after a brief term of service. Then the elder has a painful sense of responsibility, lest the young one should come to harm. I have known mere girls watch over such juniors with a tender care exceeding that of some mothers. Sometimes, they have deprived themselves of really needed articles to help out the new-comer’s wardrobe; they have paid for decent lodgings for her, and even undertaken to settle the doctor’s bill in a case of sickness.

I once remonstrated with a young girl about doing too much, as I feared that her sister did not appreciate her self-denial. ‘Had you not better send her home again?’ I said. Tears came into the girl’s eyes as she said, ‘There are so many of them at home, and I brought her here to relieve father and mother. I will not send her back to them if I can help it.’ I admired the self-devoting goodness of this dear girl, and rejoiced with her when she at length saw her young sister in a good place and under the wise supervision of an excellent mistress.

In such a case as the above, a lady might render a real service to a good servant by allowing a young sister to spend a few days in her house, whilst on the look-out for a fitting situation. A mistress might also assist her servants to save out of their wages by allowing a sewing maid to cut out a bodice pattern, and show a girl how to put the parts of a plain frock together.

I have been urged to add a few words on the subject of visitors’ presents, or I scarcely think I should do so. The word ‘vails’ is little used now, but it was common enough when I was a girl amongst people older than myself. I cannot tell why it was applied in such a manner, but, as ‘to vail’ or ‘veil’ means to hide, I think the name must have been given to visitors’ presents, because the money was generally slipped quietly from hand to hand, so that no bystander would see the coin in its passage. We use a much less pretty word now, and speak of giving ‘tips’ to porters at railway stations, or any persons whom we wish to receive recompense for personal service.

I would first say a word on this subject to servants. When you are engaged, it is an understood thing that visitors under your employers’ roof shall receive during their stay all the attention that would be expected were they members of the family. They are such for the time, and as the master and mistress generally show particular anxiety for the comfort of the guests, the right-minded, unselfish servant will do the same. She, too, will be extra attentive, if she only realizes that she is a member of the family herself, and should act as entering into the feelings of those who fill the highest places in the common home. And if it should happen that in the end she receives no gift from the parting guest, surely she will not feel quite unrewarded? She will have pleased her employers, done as she would be done by when under a roof not her own, and added much to the comfort of the temporary sojourner.

I do not for a moment intend to suggest what amounts should be given, or to which servants, when presents are made. But it often happens that, when leaving, a visitor only sees one servant, yet feels that more have contributed to her comfort. Perhaps she does not like to ask for the others, or they are so engaged that she cannot see them, and she gives the amount she intended to divide to the one only, without expressing any wish as to its being shared with the rest.

Under such circumstances, whilst no one could deny a servant’s right to keep what was given, I do think that a conscientious, unselfish girl would share it with such other members of the household as she knew had shared the extra work caused by the presence of visitors.

It is quite a different matter where unusual services have been rendered by one above the rest, or in cases of illness, where the attendance has quite exceeded that to be expected under ordinary circumstances.

I can say, with true pleasure, that I have often seen these extra services rendered with such single-hearted kindness, such self-forgetfulness and devotion, that no one could imagine the thought of fee or reward to be associated with them.

And I have also seen a miserable spirit of jealousy amongst fellow-servants at any little preference shown, even when the recipient had well merited it by her thoughtful attentions. I have seen kitchen servants come forward when a visitor was leaving, and ostentatiously profess to help with the luggage, when any one could see that such aid was not necessary. I have noticed others push to the front, and give some little, quite needless, touch to a visitor’s wrap, in order to attract attention and gain a coveted ‘tip.’

These are little meannesses, dear girls, against which I would warn any who may be guilty of them, and say: ‘Act fairly and unselfishly to each other when you receive gifts. Render service as if you found a pleasure in making all around you comfortable, and not as if your eye were directed towards the possible “tip” whilst the hand ministered to the visitors’ wants.’

I have delightful memories of very different conduct: of smiling faces, feet quick to run, and willing hands; hands, too, that, instead of being eagerly outstretched to receive, have shrunk from receiving, and kindly tongues which have said, as if they meant it, ‘Indeed, ma’am, I don’t desire anything. It has been a real pleasure to do anything for you, and I hope I shall soon have it again.’

Sometimes, however, servants can hardly have such a feeling towards guests, because they do not act so as to deserve it. If servants can display little meannesses, so do those who ought to set them a better example. They will not only receive, but exact, many extra attentions; and when the time comes to say ‘good-bye’ to their entertainers, they will not notice those who have ministered to their comfort, or even give what costs nothing—a word of thanks.

Now I hold that a true lady will show her good breeding all round, and that a true Christian will show consideration for the feelings of all with whom she has to do. When she is leaving a place, she will say a farewell word to the servants; and in bestowing her present, whether little or much, she will add to it the thanks for kind attentions which by a right-minded girl will be valued more than the money. Even if the parting guest’s circumstances are such that she is unable to bestow money, do not let her on that account omit the thanks which show that she appreciates and is grateful for attentions received. By such neglect she would give pain, and probably be set down as ‘no lady;’ not because of her want of money, but of the kindly courtesy which is equally becoming to those of high and low degree.

Servants should also remember that a small parting gift is often no gauge of the giver’s generosity or good-will. It probably costs the person of small means far more self-denial than does the lavish gift of some richer guest, who can bestow it without any personal inconvenience or being conscious of a difference.

To sum up the matter, let me repeat, ‘Care for your employers’ visitors in the best way possible to you, and so give them increased comfort and yourselves the pleasure of contributing to the brightness of their sojourn.’ If you receive no other reward, you will have the satisfaction which generous, loving hearts always experience in having given good measure, whether it be of merchandise or of work. For, remember, ‘With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.’