Her dress is that of any business woman.  Conspicuous clothes are out of keeping as they would be out of keeping in an office; which, however, is no reason why she should not be well dressed.  Well-cut tailor-made suits are the most appropriate with a good-looking but simple hat; as good shoes as she can possibly afford, and good gloves and immaculately clean shirt waists, represent about the most dignified and practical clothes.  But why describe clothes!  Every woman with good sense enough to qualify as a secretary has undoubtedly sense enough to dress with dignity.

=THE HOUSEKEEPER=

In a very big house the housekeeper usually lives in the house.  Smaller establishments often have a “visiting housekeeper” who comes for as long as she is needed each morning.  The resident housekeeper has her own bedroom and bath and sitting-room always.  Her meals are brought to her by an especial kitchen-maid, called in big houses the “hall girl,” or occasionally the butler details an under footman to that duty.

In an occasional house all the servants, the gardener as well as the cook and butler and nurses, come under the housekeeper’s authority; in other words, she superintends the entire house exactly as a very conscientious and skilled mistress would do herself, if she gave her whole time and attention to it.  She engages the servants, and if necessary, dismisses them; she sees the cook, orders meals, goes to the market, or at least supervises the cook’s market orders, and likewise engages and apportions the work of the men servants.

Ordinarily, however, she is in charge of no one but the housemaids, parlor-maids, useful man and one of the scullery maids.  The cook, butler, nurses and lady’s maid do not come under her supervision.  But should difficulties arise between herself and them it would be within her province to ask for their dismissal which would probably be granted; since she would not ask without grave cause that involved much more than her personal dislike.  A good housekeeper is always a woman of experience and tact, and often a lady; friction is, therefore, extremely rare.

=THE ORGANIZATION OF A GREAT HOUSE=

The management of a house of greatest size, is divided usually into several distinct departments, each under its separate head.  The housekeeper has charge of the appearance of the house and of its contents; the manners and looks of the housemaids and parlor-maids, as well as their work in cleaning walls, floors, furniture, pictures, ornaments, books, and taking care of linen.

The butler has charge of the pantry and dining-room.  He engages all footmen, apportions their work and is responsible for their appearance, manners and efficiency.

The cook is in charge of the kitchen, under-cook and kitchen-maids.

The nurse and the personal maid and cook are under the direction of the lady of the house.  The butler and the valet as well as the chauffeur and gardener are engaged by the gentleman of the house.