Digging wealth

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Ever since she'd found out they worked there, she'd cultivated her acquaintance with them. She'd always been ready with a sympathetic ear to listen to their complaints about their health, their customers, their bosses. Now she felt that the time was ripe to approach them about the possibility of getting a job there. After all the new season's stock would be in and they might need more help. She got her pad and pencil ready and smiled brightly.

'Have you been busy then this morning, ladies? I everyone is rushing out to buy their new hats?" expect The oldest of the trio grimaced. "They've been rushing out to buy everything, now the weather is changing!' Another one joined in. 'And did you see the one I had? Every hat in the place she tried on and she looked awful in the one she finally chose. It looked like an upturned pudding basin squashed on her head!' The third girl laughed. 'I had one who insisted on having a veil added to a wide-brimmed straw. Can you imagine it? Mind you, if I had a face like that, I'd want it covered up, too." The older one nudged her. Keep your voice down, Kath, he's here again."

Daleyza smiled, although she didn't really approve of the way they made fun of their customers. After all, if there were no customers, none of them would have jobs. But she took a deep breath and under the pretext of brush ing some imaginary crumbs from the spotless tablecloth, leaned closer. 'I hope you don't mind, but I was wondering if there are any vacancies - in any department?' she added hastily. "You see, ever since I came to Glasgow I've always wanted to work at Copelands. It's such a smart shop.

They all looked at each other with raised eyebrows and, although no one spoke, it seemed to Daleyza that there was an invisible barrier between herself and them.

'You could try the Packing Department,' the elder one said with a trace of amusement in her voice.

'What's that?'" 'It's where they pack up all the china and crystal and

ornaments to be delivered.'

They were making fun of her and she bit her lip, wishing she'd never spoken at all. Obviously, they thought that she was a cut lower than themselves. She was a mere waitress. I would have thought you would have been happy with the job you've got!' another said. 'I am! Are you ready to order?'

When she turned away, Mrs Craig gestured to her to come over and she prayed that she hadn't heard any of the conversation.

'Is there something wrong? A complaint?' Mrs Craig asked.

No! No, nothing like that! I was just asking them if they would care to try a slice of your new cake, the "special" recipe one, but they weren't interested and I didn't press them.' Daleyza leaned closer. 'You should hear what they say about their customers. It's not very nice at all, Mrs Craig!'

Mrs Craig frowned. Some of these young lassies have no respect at all, Daleyza, not like you. You've always had an eye to the business but enough sense to know when not to be "pushy"."

But not enough to be considered for a position in a high-class store, she thought as she walked back towards the kitchen.

As she returned she saw them, heads together, smiling and whispering and as she set down their order she I couldn't help but notice that there was a very pointed lack of conversation. Whatever they had been saying was about her, but she tried not to care.

The young gentleman across from them in the corner had and was preparing to leave. She went over to clear the table.

'I hope everything was to your satisfaction, Sir?' 'Yes, thank you. It always is.'

He moved away and she gathered the dirty dishes, placing them on her tray. When she picked up the cup and saucer, underneath was a florin. He must have dropped it, left it by mistake. No one left two whole shillings as a tip, not even at Christmas. She left the tray on the table and went after him, reaching him as he was about to open the door.

'Excuse me, Sir, but I think you dropped this.' Daleyza held out the coin. "The light isn't very good in that corner.'

He smiled. 'I didn't drop it, Miss O'Donnell." 'How do you know my name?'

'Mrs Craig often calls to you and please, I want you to keep it. You work very hard and are very patient and pleasant and honest,' he added, indicating the coin in her hand with a nod of his head. 'Good day."

She put the coin in her pocket, puzzled. Had he been testing her? Was he some sort of policeman or some one Mrs Craig knew? She went back to pick up her tray. The three girls were also leaving, but she studiously ignored them.

On the way home on the tram Daleyza thought about the two incidents again. Two shillings; she hoped the young man wasn't using it as an excuse to 'buy' his way into asking her out. Two of the other waitresses frequently went out with customers, although Mrs. Craig frowned on it. But he couldn't buy her friendship or anything else for that matter. She was finished with men. All she wanted from life now was a career and a nice place to live.

She looked out of the window as they crossed the Vic toria Bridge thinking of the nice new home she had dreamed of with Andy. She hated the Gorbals. She loathed what it had done to her, although she had to admit that it had been instrumental in her 'growing up'. She hardly ever indulged in daydreams now. For one thing she had

Sprecious little time and for another there wasn't much to dream about. She was pinning all her hopes on getting a job at Copeland and Lye and of getting out of these slums.