where there is a house steward, the housekeeper must consider herself as
the immediate representative of her mistress, and bring, to the
management of the household, all those qualities of honesty, industry,
and vigilance, in the same degree as if she were at the head of her
_own_ family. Constantly on the watch to detect any wrong-doing on the
part of any of the domestics, she will overlook all that goes on in the
house, and will see that every department is thoroughly attended to, and
that the servants are comfortable, at the same time that their various
duties are properly performed.
Cleanliness, punctuality, order, and method, are essentials in
the character of a good housekeeper. Without the first, no
household can be said to be well managed. The second is equally
all-important; for those who are under the housekeeper will take
their "cue" from her; and in the same proportion as punctuality
governs her movements, so will it theirs. Order, again, is
indispensable; for by it we wish to be understood that "there
should be a place for everything, and everything in its place."
Method, too, is most necessary; for when the work is properly
contrived, and each part arranged in regular succession, it will
be done more quickly and more effectually.