Tristan had never really felt English until that moment. What was going on? Why were they telling him all of this? He hardly knew these... Oh God, did he just actually use that metaphor? Tristan felt his face burn from secondary embarrassment, but his expression was fixed into one of polite interest. Tristan's voice did not even betray relief when Mr. Zimmermann excused himself and he answered: "Of course".

Only when they were gone, did his face drop and he muttered to himself: "Americans..." He closed the door, turned round and started. "Pippa!" Now it was embarrassment over his own conduct that made him feel hot. "Don't say that. Things are going to be well now." He walked over and offered his arm for support. "But you should be resting." Had she heard him?