On hearing that
such was the case, Miss Rowley's anxiety on the subject increased
immeasurably; but I assured her the old gentleman only put his
name to treaties, and tariffs; and although his sons were wonderfully
gallant, yet he himself had never condescended to notice any woman
but a queen regnant: and I further endeavored to give some idea of
his identity. Miss Rowley stopped me short, however.
"Only procure me one line from him, Mr. Howard, and I shall be
indebted to you for life. It will be time enough to find out all about
him when I once have his name--that is the essential thing."
I shrunk from committing myself, however; declaring that I would as
soon engage to procure a billet-doux from Prester John.
{Prester John = Mythical ruler believed in the Middle Ages to head a
powerful Christian Kingdom somewhere in Asia; later identified with
the Christian Kings of Ethiopia in Africa}
"Prester John! That would, indeed, be quite invaluable!"
This Asiatic diversion was a happy one, and came very apropos, for it
carried Miss Rowley into China; she inquired if I had any Chinese
connections.
"Though altogether, I am pretty well satisfied with my Chinese
negotiations; as soon as the Celestial Empire was opened to the
civilized world, I engaged an agent there to collect for me. But, could
you put me on the track of a Confucius?"
{opened to the civilized world = following the so-called Opium War,
Britain had in 1842 forced China to open trade with her}
I was obliged to admit my inability to do so; and at the same
moment the collecting instincts of Lady Holberton and Mr.
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