Can You Make Yourself Understood?

Some months ago, Mr. X went to England on a business trip. When he returned he told me the following story.

When I came to England I was very nervous, as I wasn’t sure that I would be able to make English people understand me. I put up at a hotel and understood the reception clerk when he asked me to fill in an arrival form. Then I asked the porter to take my luggage up to my room. So far, I made myself understood quite well.

When I came up to my room I said to the maid, “I want to brush my shoes and coat and to press my shirt”. I couldn’t understand why my words made her smile. A few minutes later she brought me several brushes and said, “I’ll bring in the iron some minutes later”. I said, “I didn’t want to brush my coat and shoes and to press the shirt myself.” I wanted her to make my things clean but I didn’t know how to make it clear. I got tired and angry trying to get her to understand what I meant. Finally, the maid said, “I suppose you want to have your shoes and coat brushed and your shirt pressed.” “Yes”, said I, “that’s just what I wanted you to do”.

I was glad I didn’t say “I want to wash my handkerchiefs”. If I did, she could bring a wash-tub into my room.