to speak French, and your knowledge of the world and travel, you could make quite an erudite companion."

"That really sounds like an interesting job, and something that I would enjoy doing, but who would ever offer me a job like that?"

"I heard of something in that area, with one of my clients, how about letting me make some inquiries, and check back with you tomorrow night?"

"Sounds good, when will you know?”

"I'll tell you what, why don't you meet me here tomorrow night, and maybe I'll have something for you."

"O.K. Here, same time tomorrow."

I went on home, rather pleased with the opportunity, and the challenge what it offered, but wondering whether I could fit the job. Well, we'd see what the next day would bring.

The next evening, I was back there on my bar stool, at the appointed time, but there was no evidence of Mr. Collins, my companion of the previous evening. I was starting to wonder, if the whole thing had just been idle conversation, then he appeared.

"Did you find anything out?”

"Yes and no."

"What does that mean, are they in the market for my services?"

"Yes, but I don't think that you would want the job on the conditions that they are offering."

"Why? I am in the market for any kind of job right now. Could I talk to them, and find out for myself?"

"I could arrange that, but I will tell you that it will involve taking care of children, and require you to change your entire life pattern."

37