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“My fiancée, from Paris.”

“That’s where you got your ‘chocolat’,” he laughed. “Best fix that while you’re here. Strangers are treated warmly, but outsiders keep few friends. For the Quebecois, there isn’t space for anyone not family, one way or another. Compris? In New France, speak New French.”

“I’ll try. Truth be told, I haven’t spoken much since coming here.”