Went down to the butchers this morning to get some lamb for dinner.
M. Buttonier and his wife had been shut for the last week.
Over the crowd of housewives in the shop I caught M.’s eye.
Were you on holidays ?
Yes, he said, making a face.
Where did you go?
Sicily.
Was the weather good?
It rained all week.(another face)
Oh said I (sniggering) It was beautiful here.
Madame then joined in, and across the heads she glared at me in mock anger.
There’s nothing funny about that, she said.
(at this stage the whole shop was enjoying the fun)
Its Okay, I said, I can laugh ! I come from Ireland.
Oh! said she, Does it rain in Ireland in September?
Madame, I said, It rains in Ireland all year around.

It wasn’t until I left the shop, still smiling (I am easily amused) that I realised that, of course,the entire conversation was in French.

Mine must be improving!