In the 1800's and early 1900's servant life was not all it cracked up to be. For men it was a job which could be kept even when they married. This case usually was after a couple years and they were free to find a potential mate if they had the time. Women on the other hand had it much more difficult. Most masters were strict and it was considered wrong to allow servants much leisure time as they should be doing something productive. There was also the "no-followers" rule which forbade women from dating. This however was an often broken rule and many women did date and marry. This was often around the mid twenties (in age). However they were taking a large risk because if they were found out most women were kicked out. This left them with no job and having nothing to supply the husband and children. Servant girls often started young, usually around 12-13 years old and are often in service for up to 12-15 years before they marry. Another hardship, which may cause a variation in the age they marry, was the fact most masters were very strict about the "social life downstairs" as they the servants at most were allowed to meet and converse with around 2-3 servants. Days off were of course added over time and increased through the decades entering into the early 20th century.