Bridget

Bridget Cleary, the young Irish maid, is about twenty years of age, and her manner is civil and obliging. She was born in County Clare, and lived there until she came to America. She can read and write, and has a fair knowledge of arithmetic. She has been brought up to household work, and has assisted in dairies, and has also worked in the fields. She has no near relatives, and has lived for the last two years with an uncle and aunt, who are farmers, and who gave her a good plain education. She has never been ill, and has always lived in the country. She has no particular wish to return to Ireland, and has come to the United States because she thinks she can do better here than at home, though she has never been in service before coming to the United States, and has no idea of the wages usually given to maids here. She is willing to work hard, and hopes, in time, to be able to save money enough to buy herself a small house and lot in one of the western states.

Bridget is five feet in height, and of a fair complexion, with light brown hair and blue eyes. She has a pleasant, good-tempered face. In the morning she wears a plain, dark blue woollen gown, and a white apron, and in the evening she puts on a black dress. She has good, substantial shoes, and a neat, white collar and cuffs. On Sundays, and when out walking, she wears a straw bonnet, and a shawl of some bright, tartan plaid. She has no jewelry, and is particularly clean and orderly in her person. She is well and compactly built, her waist being of the average size. She has a serviceable, strong constitution, and appears capable of sustained exertion. She has a good, natural walk, and holds herself erect. Her hands and feet are small, and her fingers taper gracefully. Her measurements are: around the chest, thirty-two inches; around the waist, twenty-four inches; around the upper arm, nine inches; and around the lower arm, seven inches.

Bridget would rather talk than listen, and has plenty to say for herself on any subject. She is not at all bashful, and has no fear of making herself ridiculous in company. She is quick-tempered, but good-natured, and has a strong feeling of gratitude for benefits received. She is honest and truthful, and would scorn to tell a lie. She talks a great deal about herself, and her history and prospects. She is fond of discussing the affairs of her native place, and has a lively interest in all that concerns Ireland. She is fond of discussing American fashions, and has a good deal to say about dress. She has no objection to a little harmless flirtation, and is rather pleased than otherwise, when addressed in a lover-like manner, by the male portion of the family where she lives. She has never been in love, but thinks she might like to be, some day, and hopes she shall meet with a good, kind husband. She has no thought of remaining single, and means to marry, if a suitable person offers.

Bridget has no hobbies, unless a fondness for dancing may be so called. She is fond of amusement, and likes to go to concerts and the theatre; but she has no taste for reading, and cares nothing for books. She has a quick ear for music, and has learned to sing several songs. She knows a few Irish ballads, and has a sweet, low voice. She has no religious prejudices, and attends mass on Sundays, when in Ireland, but in America she goes to whatever church her employers prefer. She has come to a land of strangers, but thinks she shall like the people, and be able to live happily among them.