Belle turned to the gentleman who had spoken in French and smiled faintly, while at the same time squinching her eyes shut in concentration. Je parle un peu. Bonsoir, monsieur. Je suis plu de faire votre connaissance. She smiled more brightly after that, her American accent tinging the words. I learned a little while I was at finishing school. My daddy insisted I go. Do you speak English? I'm afraid our conversations will be limited to common pleasantries otherwise. She flushed slightly, partly embarrassed, partly excited. She couldn't WAIT to meet someone fascinating. She just hoped she wouldn't be singled out for being American.