You, with brains back of your hands, will notice that there is a tiny hole in the counterpane, dust under the table, and--above all--that the soap-dish is not clean.

Your servant may do the rough work; the dainty, lady-like touch must be given by you.
You have an experienced waitress, and a jewel, if the dining-room and table are perfect without your supervision.

It may be only that a teacup or plate is sticky or rough to the touch, a fork or a knife needed, the steel or one of the carvers forgotten.

But when the family is assembled at the board, these trifles cause awkward pauses and interruptions.
Other little cares are to ascertain that the water with which the tea is made is boiling, that the alcohol lamp is filled, the flies brushed from the room, the plates warmed, and the sugar-dishes and salt-cellars filled.

One housekeeper says that attention to these duties always reminds her of the task of washing one's face.