For what one might call “complete” service, (meaning service that is adequate for constant entertaining and can stand comparison with the most luxurious establishments,) three are the minimum—­a cook, a butler (or waitress) and a housemaid.  The reason why luncheons and dinners can not be “perfectly” given with a waitress alone is because two persons are necessary for the exactions of modern standards of service.  Yet one alone can, on occasion, manage very well, if attention is paid to ordering an especial menu for single-handed service—­described on page 233.  Aside from the convenience of a second person in the dining-room, a house can not be run very comfortably and smoothly without alternating shifts in staying in and going out.  The waitress being on “duty” to answer bell and telephone and serve tea one afternoon, and the housemaid taking her place the next.  They also alternate in going out every other evening after dinner.

It should be realized that above the number necessary for essentials, each additional chambermaid, parlor-maid, footman, scullery maid or useful man, is made necessary by the size of the house and by the amount of entertaining usual, rather than (as is often supposed) for the mere reason of show.  The seemingly superfluous number of footmen at Golden Hall and Great Estates are, aside from standing on parade at formal parties, needed actually to do the immense amount of work that houses of such size entail; whereas a small apartment can be fairly well looked after by one alone.

All house employees and details of their several duties, manners, and appearances, are enumerated below.  Beginning with the greatest and most complicated establishments possible, the employee of highest rank is: 

=THE SECRETARY WHO IS ALSO COMPANION=

The position of companion, which is always one of social equality with her employer, exists only when the lady of the house is an invalid, or very elderly, or a widow, or a young girl. (In the latter case the “companion” is a “chaperon.”)

Her secretarial duties consist in writing impersonal letters and notes and probably paying bills; she may have occasional invitations to send out, and to answer, though a lady needing a companion is not apt to be greatly interested in social activities.  The companion never performs the services of a maid—­but she occasionally does the housekeeping.  Otherwise her duties can not very well be set down, because they vary with individual requirements.  One lady likes continually to travel and merely wants a companion, (usually a poor relative or friend) to go with her.  Another who is a semi-invalid never leaves her room, and the duties of her companion are almost those of a trained nurse.  The average requirement is in being personally agreeable, tactful, intelligent, and—­companionable!

A companion dresses as any other lady does; according to the occasion, her personal taste, her age, and her means.