The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-08-28

rule in all cases, for az storms In nature some
times clear the atmosphere from lowering clouds
and stagnant yapors, SO occasionally FIRE.
uuently-in the domestic regions they are of
service, but with this difference, that as the
lightning flash ottener purifes than Injuries, the
fash OF the tongue in angry speech always
creates sudden wounds the fatal words of
notice 10 quit are quickly spoken, and as often
quickly repentedof.
"And angry pride stands by the gap,
Lest IL should close again"
If a servant be really valuable and worth the
retaining, 1t is best, at the risk OF little self
sacrihce of pride, to try to win her to stay by all
gentle means short of directly asking her, till
her broodinp anger be overpast; but beware-as
all future comfort is dear-of, after quarrel,
making presents, be they ever SO trivial. They
will be accepted without doubt very eagerly,
and among girls companions shown as proof
OF her mistress repentance; and through their
ignorant advice spirit OF opposition and inde-
pendence is engendered:c WIhh toGtnighI OF
to remain on, ID is best to call ber to q confer
ence, not casually to speak to her as she is doing
her work; but with the gravity of an Indian war
council open the conversation, YOU sitting, she
standing by asking her if it be still her wish to
leave, If so, you have an opportunity OF replacing
her, but If not, ard she is willing not to offend
again thus In the same way, there can be no OBJ
lection to her remaining If she will do her duty
to the best of her ability; few words like these
generally bring matters to a conclusion, because
If the girl is averse to remaining, she would be
OF no service, and 1t must be satisfactory to
mistress TO know that in this line of conduct in
herself, there can be no after regret at not
having used the means to indpce the girls stay,
however much the former hasty words might be
repented OF.
As long as the world lasts there must be
servers and helpers. mistress cannot be too
kind to her domestics; at the same time, the line
or demarcation between the two classes cannot
be too strong.
A servant should look upon her mistress as
one having superior knowledge of household
matters, and one able to pay for the helpers
services; TO such, domestic will generally
render all respect. But, alas too often it is the
case, that a daughter about to be married knows
not one particle of cookery or house-manage-
ment, and frequently thinks her incompetence
greatly to be boasted of; and wheE she marries
a man with two or three hundred a year, turns
over all the management OF the table, and her
domestic concerns generally, to an ignorant
girl, who, soon tired of the blame constantly
heaped upon her head, gives sudden notice to
leave, at time (or things always do go by con-
traries) when there is no money to pay her
wages Then the lady rummages her wardrobe
to give the girl parl-equivalent for her money
i'll dress, making up the remainder In cash as
best she can.
This is no fancy sketch; il is frequently too
tIue and is half the secret of much OF the tawdry
fnery with girls which are bedlzened. From such
miStresses they obtain characters with which
they get other places though they have none OF
the valuable qualifications which every one
hopes to find In domestic.
There has been some uncertainty as to whether
a mistress is bound 10 give character to a ser
want or no.
The law, according to Lord Kenyon and Lord
Tenderden, rules that if character be given it
must he a true One but master or mistress
cannot be compelled TO give any character at
all. Yet if the slightest attempt at giving one
be made, it must be strictly truthful; there must
be no concealment OF any grave error, as if the
servant is dishonest, and a mistress kno wing
this, should in no way allude to it to the lady
inquring particulars OF her, and If the servant
be taken by the lady in consequence of this
cha acter, and she should afterwards rob her
new employers, it has been held that ther person
who gave such false character is liable to an
action, to compensate for the entire loss
A mistress nav know a girl TO be dishonest,
and yet would feel that she would rather do
any thing than cause an excitement in her house
or neighborhood, by endeavormg to prove the
fact, which is difficult TO do when servant can
dispose of her p.ltering each time she is sent to
church or on an errand; IN this case it is safest
to decline giving character at all.
There IS some comfort in knowing exactly
what one should do under peculiar circum-
stances. But when mistress, to crafty plque
or feelings of revenge, objects TO give a char
acter to a generally deserving girl, then the act
is unWomanly and unchrstan, and will be sure
to bring its own punishment sooner or later.
The same nature that would stoop to commit
this offense would scarcely hesitate at crime,
if the opportunity or the temptation came in
the way.
ITO be continued in our nert isSue.l