In no condition of service is the relation between mistress and maid of more importance than in those homes where it is only possible to employ a general servant.

It is imperative to recognise that a "general" is very apt to feel lonely. Loneliness means depression, and a depressed maid never does good work, and sooner or later gives notice.

Therefore, let the owner of one maid make excuses now and then to visit the kitchen, have a few minutes' chat, ask after relatives, and generally evince the natural interest of one human being in another. There is no need to be familiar, and the best servants do not expect or even like it, but without ever losing caste it is perfectly possible to be interested and sympathetic in new clothes, family affairs, and so forth.

When only one servant is kept the mistress of necessity has to give much help, and, as it is difficult for her to be quite regular in performing all her self-imposed duties, she cannot strictly adhere to any time-table. The following may, however, be some slight guide.