The housekeeper should come to an interview with a prospective maid with an open mind, and not allow herself to be prejudiced by appearances. An aspect of sullenness is frequently the result of shyness and does not indicate unwill ingness to work or a bad temper The would — be employer should speak gently and not ask questions with a manner of having the maid in the Witness-box. Such treatment will sometimes frighten a timid maid into inability to answer intelligently, and the employer will pro duce an impression of her own hardness and severity which she will find it difficult to overcome later. The pert and self sufficient maid is likely to declare her nature within a very few minutes Kindness will not intensify these qualities in her, while it will enable a bashful girl to appear to better advantage.