A few months passed. I had a job at the local coffehouse. I was going to go to the Bottling Company for a job, but it would require all my time. And I only worked at the coffehouse for a few hours aweek. When my money resources ran low, and tips wouldn't help me survive, I'd go see about a full time job. I was going to have to do it soon. My money supply was deminishing each week. Good thing I wasn't having to buy my own food. Just pay for food and lodging at the end of each month. And it was expensive! Jacques had telegramed me to say he was coming in a few weeks. I was very excited. He wanted to discuss something with me, and I was eager to know what it was all about. I left alittle earlier from the coffeehouse. I was going to the Bottling Company to see about a job. I walked in and was greeted by a stern, stout man about forty, with grey hair. He peered at me from over his spectacles. He had been reading the Gazette. Maybe I had come at the wrong time. "May I help you, Madmoiselle?" He said in broken English. "Um, yes, I was here to apply for a job." I said. "Ah." He said, sitting up. "Well, what do you know about wine?" "I know alot." I said. I walked over to a wine rack. I began going into a brief discription about each one, red and white. He was impressed. "Well, how good are you with dealing with customers?" "Come again?" I said. I was certain that I'd have to work in the bottling room. "With customers. Can you fill out orders? I need someone behind the desk. I can't be in a million places at once." He said, motioned to where he had been sitting. " I think i can handle it." I said. "Good. It's refreshing to see someone who knows wine." He said. "You start tomorrow." "Tomorrow?" I asked. "Yes, tomorrow." He said. "Thank you very much Monsueir." I said, grasping for the door handle. "You're welcome. I didn't catch your name." "Bridget sir. Bridget Cummings." "Well, Bridget I hope you like working here. Good day."

I woke up early. I was to be there at seven. I went downstairs and ate breakfast. Just Giselle and I. The other girls had already left. They went to the factories at five. I was sort of nervous. "You'll do well." She said. I sighed. "I hope so." I walked down the road, passing flower and newspaper carts. Every once in awhile I'd pass groups of Troubodors. True musicians at their craft. I headed for the docks. The bottling company was near the water. I walked in, the bell twinkling behind me. "Ah, Bridget! Today will be quite a busy day! And I know it's your first, so this will be a test. If you need help at anytime, call for me, Henri, and I will come." He said. He picked up a clipboard. "Now I'm off to check the shippings." He smiled and left. I stoood there, anxious to start.

I went and sat behind the desk. It was only seven-fifteen. And someone already walked in the door.