When a young woman came to be hired, my lady would have her in, and see if she liked her looks and her dress, and question her about her family.

Her ladyship laid great stress upon this latter point, saying that a girl who did not warm up when any interest or curiosity was expressed about her mother, or the "baby" (if there was one), was not likely to make a good servant.

Then she would make her put out her feet, to see if they were well and neatly shod.

Then she would bid her say the Lord's Prayer and the Creed.

Then she inquired if she could write.