The best encounter yet in France:

In a street off a town square, two shadows lay down where the buildings meet the road.

One of those figures stood up and started toward my path, a long slow ten yards or so.

As I reached her, she said gently, " 'Scuse moi."

I began to raise my hands saying "Sorry..."

"Ah," she smiled, a sweet smile; "ok." And then, "Bon soir."

I answered "Bon soir," hoping this did not destroy my credibility.