Often, they slave away for very long hours and get meagre wages. They wake up very early to start a number of chores that must run at the same time like preparing breakfast for the family and children for school. In this early morning duty, she or he is supposed to tread carefully lest she or he wakes members of the family. It can be very intimidating. "Please ensure that you don't disturb us. We are still resting. Do you get me," shouts the woman of the house in a commanding voice.
The poor maid does not even take a split of a second to respond to this commandment. "I am very sorry madam. That will not happen again," she says in a low tone. Maids can be very humble and obedient irrespective of their age in relation to the master or mistress. They can be ordered to do several things at the same time and they would not protest. They cook the best foods and sometimes they are not allowed to eat what the family eats. Mostly, they eat alone in the kitchen. The woman or man of the house can order the servant to answer her phone and do all manner of odd jobs. "Can you please answer that phone for me," the 'queen' of the house suggests. The maid would quickly abandon what she is doing to answer the phone. She then comes over to notify the 'queen' that it is her call.
