The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-28
Life in Summer
Palaces.


Every inch of this closet. like the other
was lined with striped satin.
in the hanging closet OF the first OF
these rooms l occupied, and which was
lined with rose color and white striped
satin, found. as swung the door open,
an exquisite rose-color silk kimono, and
in a pocket against the inside OF the door
pair OF heelless rose-color Japanes
slippers.
Il learned that the appointments OF
every guest room occupied by woman.
included the same garments, which In
every case matched the upholstery OF the
closet.
But the closets in the guest room we're
not circumstance to those found in the
rooms of my hostess, which were very un-
like the portable wardrobe affairs we have
in England They were closets built into
the wall, panelled with mirrors illuminated
with electric bulbs. and included shelf
after shelf for lingerie, for fnery Of every
kind. even parasols.
'The parasols, in fact, in one instance,
had whole closet to themselves. 1t was
divided into two tiers, 80 that each parasol
might stand upright. top and handle slipped
into round hole in the bottom, and the
top Of the closet and in the partition shelves
that crossed it midway.
Il certainly envy the American woman
her closets.
There ia one question, though, in con-
neetion with these American summer
abodes Of luxury which threatens seriously
to disturb the equanimity Of many OF the
fortunates who are hidden from time to
time to visit them. In fact, it is rufiiing
their serenity even now
This question is fees. Although Ameri-
cans have had independence enough to
get away from the English country house
breakfast, it would seem that they have
not yet had the courage to give up the
practice Of feeling which prevails in Eng
land. Only English servants don't ex-
pect and don't get fees so big as the servants
over here. Neither do they get as big
wages, which is one excuse perhaps for
giving them fees at all.
In America it seemS some fool people,
az an exaggerated hostess put 1t the other
day-will send $50 or $50 to the cook after
a stay Of a week or two at a country house,
and other servants get fees in proportion.
OF course only the very rich can give so
generously. but all the same they do meal
culable harm by establishing precedent.
The cook that gets $40 from one guest
speaks contemptuously Of the next who
perhaps tenders her s.
The other day a woman who was going
to country house for a two-weeks' visit
frankly said that she expected to leave
there 80 in fees.
There are twent six servants, she ex-
planned. most Of whom expect to be tipped
and whom feel myself obliged to tip simply
because they do expect it.
y feel, as do many Of my friends. that the
custom is a disgusting one in private
house where servants are we'll paid, and
yet we are almost powerless to stop it..
Instead Of giving smaller fees than we give
in hotels and restaurants. we are almost
compelled to give much larger ones, and
now that country ouses are being multi
piled and few Of the rich live much in sum-
mer hotels, the question is really exciting
lot Of talk"
1t has beer discovered that there is more
than talk il :. that one hostess at least
has begun act. She has a splendid
house in Connecticut The plan she now
follows is this.
Soon after the arrival Of guests she takes
them into her confidence and explains that
she has set aside a certain sum Of money
guest money she calls (which is to be
divided among her servants at the end of
the season. This sum has nothing to do
with their wages.
The servants are in the secret and they
know too that those who take tips from
guests will forfeit their share of the guest
money. To guard against this their mis-
tress asks the cooperation of her visitors,
and 70 far has got ID.
Her scheme is being talked up by one
and another Of her friends, and the ulti-
mate result she hopes will be that other
hostesses will follow her example.