A few years ago, I decided to visit my sister who was living in France. I assumed that most French would speak English. I found that many people spoke only their own language and this included the ticket inspector on the train. He punched my ticket, then chatted cordially for a bit, making several expansive gestures. I simply nodded from time to time to show him that I was interested.
When he had gone, an American tourist, also on the train, leaned forward and asked if I spoke French.
"No," I admitted.
"Then that explains," she said, "why you didn't bat an eyelid when he told you that you were on the wrong train."
When he had gone, an American tourist, also on the train, leaned forward and asked if I spoke French.
"No," I admitted.
"Then that explains," she said, "why you didn't bat an eyelid when he told you that you were on the wrong train."