The best possible material is sought.

No girl under sixteen is employed, and no girl of any age who has not graduated with credit from the grammar schools.

There are a number of college-bred men and women in the Filene employ.
[Illustration: A DEPARTMENT STORE REST-ROOM FOR WOMEN] Good wages are paid, even to beginners, and experienced employees are rewarded, not according to a fixed rate of payment, but according to earning capacity.

Taken throughout the store, wages, plus commissions, which are allowed in all departments, average about two dollars a week higher than in other department stores in Boston.
No irresponsible, automatic employee can develop high efficiency.

She does not want to become efficient; she wants merely to receive a pay envelope at the end of the week.