Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-04


To be sure. we say that the servant girl
falls short of all this. But It Is the stan
dard hoped for, and the one accepted when
II can be obtained. While this is true, it Is
the standard to give recognition and rating
at It's true worth
mutual benefit IL 1t is taken in the same
way by both sides, is still believed by those
who refuse TO consider piece labor as the
settling of the problem.
Often
The moral as well as the physical welfare
of family lies in an apportioning the
household allowance SO as to place good
sum under the heading of repairs.
a family of six who lived on 81 300 year
and who seemed to get more than the Ordi-
nary amount of comfort and chance for
pleasure out Of life, had an unusually
large amount placed under this heading.
For repairs s65 was allowed, and for
renewals" S35. These were applied to the
keeping up of that part of the furniture
and possessions which were considered
more or less permanent.
In the usual schedule of the family hav-
ing only personal property this division is
put at low figure or left out altogether.
Things work until something has to be re-
placed and then comes the costing more
every year to live plant
Looking this need squarely in the face
would not only prevent the falling short,
but would have its weight Of Importance in
the way of living-almost always under
estimated.
No amount of extravaganza in one place
makes up in moral effect for the loss that
is sustained by being run down in another.
There is a hopeless atmosphere In the sur
roundings which are allowed to get dflapi-
dated and in which, every year, one pos
session after another is allowed to go by
default
It is one which unconsclously to the per-
son cuts a great figure in his intercourse
with other people through the attitude
which he himself assumes toward them 1t
Is the attitude of keeping away from
people" which is taken by the person in
volved rather than by his friends.
Some of the most plainly dressed people
are those who show passionate adherence
to the business of keeping up" all the
things that pertain to their living. Through
this fact, and in spite of loss of fortune,
they also keep a social connection which
has been invaluable and against which
plain dressing has never counted
1t is only necessary to watch such people
to bring the conclusion that this habit
marks the safe distance from the danger
line beyond which is the .specter of the
submerged
That anything but happiness gives inspira-
ton for effort and when work drags and
content is in danger of taking wings out of
the kitchen, 1t Is well to try the same plan
that we do in the parlor.
In this part of the house at such times
we give thanks for the club or the theater,
both of which should be blessed by all men
because they can perform this little cheer
ing up service for the mistress.
When you see laggard signs of discon-
tentment in the maid, remember that her
restoration is only the matter of giving her
a little happiness. Let the work go for a
day as you let your own under the same
need and surprise her. and you will be re-
warded by clear sky the next morning
and the kind of service that comes from
lightheartedness.
We are few OF us developed beyond the
state where recreation means happiness 1t
Is only the seemingly little thing, the
change Of scene and people, but somewhere
irto them there vanishes all the dissatis-
faction. Nature is quiokened and the tide
r. turned. and in their place are new hope
and inspiration.
Mistress or maid can work long without
stopping for these little diversions under
the illuminating light of great love which
is at its absorbing stage. Or she may have
the inspiration to happiness in some strong
hope. But without this the content which
makes days pass serene in duties done,
comes easiest by the way Of sudden and
occasional salying out after pleasure
GRACE RILEY CLARKE,