La vue est tonnante, n’est-ce pas? [The view is amazing, isnt it?]

Bette turned and paused, realizing she should respond in the same language with which she was addressed. She had heard the French are particularly impatient with Americans inability to speak their language and wanted to compose her answer.

C’est une belle ville. Je suis trs heureux d’tre ici en ce moment. she replied. [Its a beautiful city. Im really happy to be here right now.]

Vous tes Amricaine? [You are American?]

Bette was deflated. Discovered after the delivery of seemingly simple conversation.

Oui, je suis Amricaine. [Yes, I am American]. The disappointment in Bettes voice was obvious.

I only guessed that because of the travel guide you are using. Your French is flawless.

You speak English? I thought I was going to be doomed to crafting intricate French responses in this city regardless of the situation. Bette relaxed upon hearing the compliment and her face lit up with a smile as she spoke.

The woman glanced over both shoulders as if to ensure no one else was listening. She then leaned in and whispered, Ill let you in on a little secretmost Parisians speak English, we just like to pretend to Americans that we dont understand them so theyll go away

Bette was deciding in her mind whether to be amused or insulted by this comment when the woman withdrew from her conspiratorial stance and squared her posture to the view in the distance.

Dont take it personally. Im speaking to you in English after all.

Bette was unaccustomed to having someone be curt with her. But since she didnt know a soul in the city, and this woman was a Paris native, she ignored her inclination to be insulted in favour of trying to cultivate a friendship with her. She finally started to notice the features of the woman with whom she conversed.

Her tousled dirty blonde hair hung casually about her shoulders. Bette estimated they were about the same age, but thats where the similarities ended. This woman was very relaxed in her appearance – verging on dishevelled. Bette recognized the white marks on the womans grey pants as gesso, the canvas primer used to prepare a surface for future brush strokes.

Bette turned to face her and extended her hand as if for a fresh start. Im Bette. And Im glad you decided to speak to me in English.

The woman shifted towards Bette and took her hand. Michelline. And Im glad I decided to speak to you in English too.