Marta (an acquaintance from Puerto Rico) was sitting next to me on my left at a table in the library at the University of Puerto Rico Law School. She saw a sign on the door of the library, and for some reason asked me if I would make a sign for her. An older woman and a young girl walked up and began talking with Marta. Then the girl also asked me if I would make a sign for her. I asked her what kind of sign she wanted and then I told her I would make it for her.

The girl and the woman started to leave, but first she said something to me and I replied, "Well, Marta will keep me in line."

My hand was on the desk. Marta put her arm on my hand and good naturedly and smiling said, "Why would you say something like that?"

I said, "Well, that's just the way Americans talk."

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