SIR GEOFFREY. I shall take the first boat.
LADY TORMINSTER. And you will come back—?
SIR GEOFFREY. In a year—or two—or three—
LADY TORMINSTER. We shall hear from you?
SIR GEOFFREY. [With an effort of lightness.] Certainly. And I will send you chests of tea—best family Souchong—and jars of ginger. Also little boxes that fit into each other. I am afraid that is all I know at present of Chinese manufactures.
LADY TORMINSTER. [Musing.] You will be away so long?
SIR GEOFFREY. You told me to do something. I shall learn Chinese. I believe there are five hundred letters in the alphabet.
LADY TORMINSTER. As many as that!
SIR GEOFFREY. It is possible that I exaggerate. Well, Lady Torminster, I think I'll say good-night.
[He offers his hand, which she ignores. She smiles, and motions him back to his seat.