THE SERVANT GIRL'S HARMONIUM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 218, 14 September 1880, Page 4

THE SERVANT GIRL'S HARMONIUM.

[Auckland Star."] How will this do for Auckland servantgalism ? The youDg woman called this morning at a gentleman's house, in answer to an advertisement which appeared in the Star for a general servant. , ■•■ ' The lady of the house, had asked the! usual preliminary questions, when the; damsel' commenced with her catechism.; " Servant girl : " What time do you 1 ; have tea ? " ' j Lady : Oh, that depends on circum-j Btances ; but usually about sixo'clock.": "Why do you ask?" . . Servant girl ; " Because I hintend toj bring my 'armonium with me — and Ii shall want to practice hevery night — and also must have two afternoons a week to take lessons, and Sundays to myself." Lady : Oh, indeed ; I perceive you have high aspirations ! " Servant girl : " Yes ; I want to fit myself for any station in life I may 'aye to hoccupy; so I've bought am 'armonium, and am going to take lessons of Professor Swaller !" Lady : " Well, I must really decline your services, as I have always found a servant enough trouble without the additional responsibility of a harmonium and Professor Swallow. Good morning, my girl 1 " It would be interesting to learn if ; that girl succeeded in finding a mistress who would receive the harmonium and allow the " domestic " six nights a week for practice, -two afternoons for lessons, and Sundays to herself. But it is to be feared that instead of appreciating the aspirations of Jemima all mistresses would regard with horror the advent of a servant with a musical encumbrance entailing such a sacrifice of time. Poor Jemima ! If her fitness to *' hoccupy " some prospective station in life depends upon learning to play " an armonium " while in service, that particular station is likely to mourn the absence of that particular qualification. But never mind, Jemima ! When you get married you can do as you like— that is, if your lord and master will permit you.