CHAPTER XXX
THE COUNTRY GIRL'S SCORE CARD
"Efficiency" is now the watchword in all endeavors, and every man worker and every woman worker is being put under training to secure the greatest amount of it. The factory is stretched to the strain. In every department store there is an efficiency school for the clerks, and every one has to take this discipline. All large public schools have a score card for the instructors and every teacher must stand or fall by the results of the criticisms therein set down.
In the home economics department of various colleges a section of a course of study is sometimes given to the close examination of the score card for the housekeeper. The points discussed include not only the technique of the kitchen, but the character that lies behind all efficiency and the training for making the most of native endowments.
Why, then, if the Country Girl wishes to become efficient, should she not have a "score card" of her own? At any rate it may be an incitement to her conscience, and perhaps it may give some suggestions for her life-plan.
The Country Girl's Score Card given here is not to be taken as in any way final. Let it be thought of as suggestive only.
THE COUNTRY GIRL'S SCORE CARD
_Character_
Notable excellencies in character, temperament, or disposition: integrity, truthfulness, trustworthiness, courage, fortitude, self-reliance, steadiness, fearlessness, generosity, magnanimity Notable deficiencies in character, temperament or disposition as shown by such actions or incidents as these: inconsiderateness in causing unnecessary trouble to others carelessness, causing waste or extra work disorderliness, causing waste or worry or extra work frequent tardiness at meals disregarding the rules of the home, thus causing worry forgetting (which usually means not caring) losing things (which generally means culpable inattention) showing a depressed will power (which means not caring enough) tampering in the least with accurate statement, not rigorously preserving a habit of accuracy tampering in the least with exact business relations, borrowing carelessly; borrowing money when it is not absolutely necessary; not making payment at the first possible moment deflecting in the least from generous treatment in speech or act of companions especially of a rival or foe
_Expression of herself in manners_
Self-control
repose of manner, dignity, gentleness, quietness
Tact
quick perception of people's whims or foibles avoidance of things that may give offense ready adaptation to circumstances
Atmosphere
friendliness or cordiality; expressing enough but not too much; having a manner perfectly adapted to circumstances cheer; a hopeful, buoyant spirit
Voice
quality, management of voice, sweetness, clearness carrying power without harshness
Speech
use of English, good grammar, avoidance of crude language precision in the use of the mother tongue, choice of words, use of idiom a clear-cut enunciation
_Philosophy of life_
The will to live, a plucky spirit, a determination to win through, to succeed, to take the hazard and go ahead A passion for perfection, for excellence in the result; not to give up until the end is gained and the product is as good as it can possibly be made Artistic passion, the love of seeing things look well, of seeing harmony and proportion; love of music and pictures and all things beautiful; love for finding beauty in common things; interest in making oneself look always as beautiful as possible Power and habit of reflection, philosophy, reasoning things out; the power to put two and two together, to see through a matter and find out why a thing is made in such a way and no other Passion for truth for its own sake, for finding out what the underneath processes of nature are, for scientific investigation in the natural world about us Power of growth a teachable spirit, ability to take suggestions, and to act generously upon them; employment of means to maintain efficiency and perseverance in these efforts; ability to rise after failures and to strike in again with better knowledge
_Health_
Enthusiastic and persistent obedience to all the Code given in