Summary

The initial narration of “Our Lady of Paris” describes how Sohail (a graduate law student) and Helen (an undergraduate) met while they were both at school at Yal and how Sohail’s schooling was his attempt to put off being absorbed into his father’s family business. It also tells how, after spending several months at his home in Pakistan, Sohail told his mother he wanted to spend Christmas in Paris with Helen. A few days later, his well-dressed, sophisticated mother tells him she and his father want to spend Christmas in Paris as well. The implication is that she wants to meet and get to know Helen. Sohail sees he has no choice but to agree.

In Paris, when Sohail and Helen arrive at the apartment where Sohail’s parents are staying, Helen is told to call Sohail’s mother Rafia and his...