1968. The south of France. A large house surrounded by a well-kept garden and a high wall.

   'Ten lashes with the long whip!'
   'Oh no! Please ma'am!
   'Someone has just arrived, ma'am!' The interruption was from a maid, hurrying into the living room. 
   'It's probably the new girl. Show her in and I'll talk to her soon.'

   Catherine was apprehensive when she arrived at the house after her taxi ride from the village station. Everything here would be completely new to her... but she was looking forward to this new job as a lady's maid and was determined to try hard to please her new employer.
   She was very kindly received. A housemaid took the suitcase with her personal belongings - not a heavy burden - and led her into a spacious, antique-style hall, asking her to wait. The lady herself appeared half an hour later and immediately gave her a description of the working conditions she would be expected to fulfil. They were better than in her previous employment, so she did not think for a long time, agreeing without hesitation.

   'Good. You can start right now. Edith will help you change'