SERVANTGALISM IN VICTORIA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1523, 7 November 1873, Page 7

SERVANTGALISM IN VICTORIA.

Housekeepers (says the Australasian Sketcher) will believe almost anything about servants ; but the following story, though true, will tax the credulity of many. A lady made a half engagement with a servant. She was to send a definite answer in a day or two. After making inquiries, and having in that time ascertained the girl was likely to suit, she wrote a note directed, say “ Miss Bridget Ryan, care of Mrs. O’Plannagan,” requesting hereto commence duties at such an hour on such a day. The time came but Bridget didn’t. The lady, fearing her letter miscarried, went herself to the direction, and inquired forMrsO’Flanagan. “ The same, ma’am, at your service.” “ I came to inquire about a girl of the name of Bridget Ryan,” “Is it Bridget Ryan you mane ? Shure the crathur’s gone to a place.” “ But she said she’d come to me if I wrote to her, and I did.” “ You wrote. The Lord forgive you this night, but you hurt Bridget cruel,” “ Why, what on earth do you mean ? What did I say to the girl to hurt Her ?” “Oh it’s best to let bygones be bygones.” But I’d like to know, I thought that my note was very polite and respectful?” “Well, if you must know, ma’am, poor Bridget was so cut up at your writing to her on half a sheet of paper, that she cried herself to sleep that blessed night, and tuk a place next morning at a shilling a week less than you offered. Poor girls has their feelins ma’am as much as thorn that calls themselves their betters.” This story is literally true in everything but the names of the offended maiden and her friend.