A Christmas Story | Page 8

when sick. This tells, in the long run, on
servants, for they are very susceptible to a kind act out of
place--indulgence, however, is soon forgotten. I always made it a habit,
too, to pay each servant something more a month than any one else.
That, also, acted wonderfully like a retainer. But I distinctly told them I
wanted my work done, because it was paid for. I asked no favors. Two
other rules saved me much trouble. When a girl said she couldn't do
any set job, on account of no time, no matter what it was, I always said,
'why, that's all nonsense; it only takes five minutes;' and not
infrequently have I irritated them into doing almost impossibilities. I
never valued any cheap article under five dollars.
Another great mistake, is to find fault with a servant before any one.
Have they done wrong, go to your library and ring loudly--that is half
the battle; then tell the waiter to call the chambermaid, and then speak.
You will find everything easy. They have had time to reflect; to weigh
the pros and cons, and have half thought themselves into submission.
Never argue. If you have the right exert it, but never be unjust; and,
above all, believe me when I tell you that their feelings are exquisite on
the subject of neglect. Let them once feel a respect for you, yet know
you are determined to have anything done, and a simple remark will lie
like lead on their stomach, and you will hear them talking of it down

stairs and using the bow anchor of firmness, 'he said so,' until it is done.
Never change your mind.
I remember once, during that memorable interregnum of three months,
and, in fact, the only time in my life did it happen.--I had invited some
very pleasant, agreeable and talented friends to spend the evening. I
ordered my supper in the morning, and it commenced to snow. I
continued giving orders, and it continued snowing, and we kept at it
very close on to each other; if anything, the snow was a little ahead, but
I went on in the same way. At the proposed time the gas was lit, a
lantern was placed on the piazza; snow swept off; the side gate unhung
by the waiter man, and a path made. The snow piled high, and the
domestics began to give in, or out, I don't know which. They doubted
the probability of any one venturing out that 'dreadful night.' A little
later, they began to talk among themselves of the improbability of any
one coming. I immediately ordered the gas turned up in full; the
candles lit, and the supper table laid--every dish put in its place empty,
to be filled at the proper time--all for discipline. (I had said it was to be
done in the morning.) I then went up stairs and dressed. My sister, who
had gained five pounds every week since her abdication, met me in the
drawing room, dressed elegantly, and with an encouraging air pressed
my hand. She did not dare to make a remark, or the contract would
have been violated; but I thought I could detect in her eye an
acknowledgment of my success. As I sauntered through the brilliantly
lighted rooms, rather depressed at the non-arrival of my guests, the
waiter said Thomas would like to speak to me. I immediately went to
the star chamber and took an easy position.
A knock this time.
'Come in.'
In walked Thomas with his hat in his hand and bowing respectively, he
said--'I have just come from the stable Mr. D'Aubrey, and thought you
would like to know about the storm, sir.'
'What storm?' I exclaimed, 'oh, you mean the snow storm, yes--is it still
snowing?' At that moment the window was crackling with the hail.

'Yes sir, and I thought I'd tell you that no one could come out to-night,
for a horse without a wagon could not walk one hundred yards.'
'Thank you, Thomas, give the bay mare more corn to-morrow and call
Henry.'--Henry, the waiter, came in expecting orders to put away the
clean things and lock up for it was ten, and not a soul had arrived.
'Order supper Henry at eleven.'
'For whom, sir?'
'For me--what are you waiting for?'
'How much, sir,' said he, in a bewildered air. 'All of it.'
He looked anxious. He could not classify me, but discipline must be
carried out, so Mary and I sat down to enough for twenty-five persons,
who had never known the pangs of dyspepsia. As soon as we had
finished I ordered a large portion of it down stairs, for the benefit of the
servants and retired. They all looked pleased and I was satisfied. Mrs.