What concerns me is how it IS.

It doesn't 'seem' possible to you to hire a woman to come into your home and take charge of its cleanliness and the food you eat--the very foundation of life--and treat her as an honoured guest, and give her the best comfort you have to offer.

The cold room, the old covers, the bare floor, and the cast off furniture are for her.
No wonder, as a rule, she gives what she gets.

She dignifies her labour in the same ratio that you do.

Wait until we need a housekeeper, and then gaze with awe on the one I will raise to your hand." "I wonder----" "Don't! It's wearing! Come tell me how to make our living-room less bare than it appears at present." They went downstairs together, followed by the decorator, and began work on the room.