Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-01-20

second man" Men Of other national
tiles seek positions in vain now. and
the best recommendation valet can
bring with him is buffers note say
ing that he was in the employ of Sir
Somebody or Lord Somebody, and that
his worXwas to the satisfaction Of the
nobleman.
The English valet knows his position.
The French and the German valet are
exclusive and viii not go beyond GER
tain limits in their work. The English
man is trained To serve as waiter at
dinner If there is call for his services at
the country home in which his employer
happens TO be staying. lie Is exceed
ingly dutiful and not obsequious. There
are few southern men in New York
who keep colored servants in the posi-
ton OF Wallets, but no northern man Of
fashion would think of engaging one.
There are no reasonable objections in
this matter, for the colored valet will
work for less and will perhaps work
longer and more industriously than his
white brother servant; yet it Is not
English, you know, to engage one Of
them. and so George" must confne his
service to opening doors in fashionable
residences and at swell clubs.
There are now in New York perhaps
two hundred English Wallets, most Of
whom have served the nobility across
the ocean. One of the most fashion.
able men in New York has in his M
ploy Herbert Lykins, who was the valet
of Sir Charles Dixie for at least Eve
years.
Edwin Gould has q notable English
valet in the person of the man who
served young English duke until
year ago, when he came to America with
the best of references and went directly
to the service here.
Not every man Of fashion is aware OF
what is in style and what is not in style
when accepting an invitation to a coun-
try home about New York. ne least
with reference TO the valet. As rule
bear in mind that the valet is not
wanted. You are invited, not he, and
unless the invitation is explicit on this
point no valet should be taken.
When the guest reaches the country
palace, whose hospitality he is to enjoy
for few days. he win find servant at
hand to do all the work that his valet 10
accustomed to perform for him
There Is reason for this difference
between tho American and English
custom. In the former the home Is not
as large and as roomy as the magnifi-
cent palaces of English noblemen.
There IL Il the custom TO be accom-
panied by the valet, who in turn takes
place among the servants at the ball
and follows the orders of the butler or
steward without question. He waits
leisure time to carrying out the orders
OF the chief servant of the place
In the American country home 1t has
become the custom TO appoint valet
for three or four of the bachelors in
vited. When the guest comes home
from his afternoon drive be fnds his re-
ception clothes laid out for him Just as
they would be if he were at home. Ills
bath Is turned on in the morning, his
clothes are pressed and his spotless
linen lies ready for use near his bed
Just as though he were at home and en-
joying the services of his own valet.
When you are travelling on business
it is perhaps wise To be accompanied by
yeur valet. provided you ar. q man Of
fashion and can afford 10 keep one in
your pay. Elisha Dyer never travels
without his japanese servant The
Cutting boys are always valetei in
proper shape when they travel SO Is
Creighton Webb.
ArzrHT rpuAKn TypHrrI