before i came back from geelong i learned that they wanted a housekeeper at the government house, adelaide. i was advised to apply for the position. the frenchman who was chef there when i was there told me that i knew enough for the position. it would be open for a month, and i put my name down amongst a long list of others, and sent in my testimonials even to that of being a stewardess and lady's maid. they sent for me, and i told them that i was there before, only as a young girl to do as i was told. i did not think i would be competent, but i promised to try for a month, and said that i would like to have some skilled help for all the large public functions. i knew so well what government house was in festive times. we were at marble hill when my month was up. they were satisfied, and told me i could consider myself permanently employed if agreeable to me.
it would not do for me to attempt to describe the sayings and doings of that big house. i had to be in evidence at all times both to see and to speak to distinguished visitors, and often eminent celebrities. i did not find the work hard, but there was plenty of brain worry. after i had been there a year and a half the governor and the lady, too, thought i was capable to arrange for all the banquets and large parties by myself. it was overpowering sometimes because of the late nights and the want of sleep. to cater for a thousand at one time meant a lot of consideration. i have known a hundred for dinner. i had been at work all the time and seldom ever went out. government house had none too many appliances for those big affairs. they have had both a duchess and also a countess there when they were staying on a visit. they would come and see the kitchen. one grand lady said that her cook could not do like that[pg 116] with such appliances. i could see by the way the lady spoke that someone wanted my position, and i thought it was like my fate. there was always someone wanted whatever i had. so i left government house, but not in bad friends. i think they were doubtful whether the person would suit. they asked if i would come back if my successor did not do things rightly. i forget what i said, but i felt cross.
i went to see a gentleman and lady who had the management of the largs pier hotel. it was mr. hixon. i had lived with them at the port adelaide club before i went to england. mrs. hixon was not very well, and they asked me if i would come as housekeeper. i admit that i rather liked the idea of going there. it was a large hotel, and i would have to see to a number of employes, to engage them or dismiss them, as the case may be. i had found mr. and mrs. hixon in past years straight and upright and sincere. i felt at home with them. i was not long at my new duties before i received word from government house that the person who succeeded me did not know enough for them there. i did not go back, as i was very comfortable where i was, and mr. and mrs. hixon had the greatest confidence in me. it was a change and the sea was near, so that we often went out for a sail in one of the many boats available for us on the jetty.
