Meeting the Mistress of the House

The afternoon of the first day I was sent for by the lady of the house for an interview. I was very nervous, but on meeting her found I had no need to be. She was a gentle and kind person in every way.

However, she was concerned about my age and size and also, as I had to have a housemaid with me for a little while decided that I was not worth the £2 a month salary as arranged. She asked me if I would agree to thirty shillings a month. I agreed willingly and promised to learn fast and work hard, not wishing to be sent home so quickly.

I had agreed to send home one pound to my mother, the same as my sister did. Ten shillings a month didn’t seem much, but what you never had you never miss.

I was a proper little dogsbody, at everybody’s beck and call, but I did as I was told and didn’t answer back, remembering as I did my Father’s words as he said goodbye to me. "Do as you’re told and don’t answer back".