The common servants and the little shopwomen here are more nicely clean than most of our ladies; and the great variety of neat dresses (every woman dressing her head after her own fashion) is an additional pleasure in seeing the town." The claims of business have now thrust aside many of the little refinements described by Lady Mary, her description of which has but to be transferred to some of the smaller Dutch towns to be however in the main still accurate.

But what she says of the Dutch servants is true everywhere to this minute.

There are none more fresh and capable; none who carry their lot with more quiet dignity.

Not the least part of the very warm hospitality which is offered in Dutch houses is played by the friendliness of the servants.
Every one in Holland seems to have enough; no one too much.

Great wealth there may be among the merchants, but it is not ostentatious.