The term of service is determined by an agreement between mistress and maid.  The usual custom is to take the applicant for a week’s trial; if, at the expiration of that time, both are satisfied, the arrangement continues from week to week, if the payments are weekly.  In households in which monthly payments are preferred the maid is hired by the month.  The agreement entered into is nothing more nor less than a legal contract, and not to be lightly violated.  When serving by the week the maid is entitled to, and must also give, three days’ notice; when by the month a week’s notice is required, or if for any reason her mistress wishes her to leave at once, she may pay her one week’s wages.  If the maid leaves suddenly and without giving notice, in the middle of her term, she forfeits all claim to wages which have accrued since her last payment.  If discharged unjustly and without sufficient cause before the expiration of her term, she is entitled to her wages in full; but if discharged without notice because of intoxication, immorality, dishonesty, arrant disobedience, or permanent incapacity from illness, she can claim nothing.  It is customary with some housekeepers to start the new maid on a comparatively low salary, with the promise of an increase of perhaps fifty cents per month, in case she proves herself worthy, till the maximum is reached.  This is often an incentive to good service.

THE MAID’S LEISURE TIME

Her times of leisure vary somewhat, according to circumstances; but one week-day afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon and evening of each week are usually allowed her, though she may be given only every other Sunday.  If an extra evening can be given her, all well and good.  The maid should be able to count on getting away at a certain hour so she can arrange to meet her friends; and she must also understand that ten o’clock is to see her in the house, that hour being as late as any girl ought to be out.  In homes which employ two maids equal privileges are granted each, one assuming the work of the other during her absence.  It is a simple matter to arrange for light meals on the cook’s day out, and to minimize the serving when the waitress is to be away.  When night dinner is the custom and but one maid employed, she either goes from ten until four, leaving her mistress to prepare luncheon, or else, if she is away over the dinner hour, the meals are shifted, with dinner at noon and tea at night.  She leaves on Sunday immediately after the dinner work is done and does not return to prepare tea.  If she prefers to spend her leisure time quietly at home reading or sewing, she should be encouraged to do so and not be forced to go out in self-defense to escape calls for extra work at that time.  The mistress has no claim on her maid’s “off” hours.

DRESS AND PERSONAL NEATNESS