Sir Joseph perforce smiled too, and the return to earth which this faint levity signified, reminded him of the real object of the young nobleman's visit. The thought did not reassure him, however; for after all the intelligence he had been able to glean regarding his visitor's character, he realised that if Lord Henry had resolved to undertake this mission to China, it would obviously serve no purpose to exhort him to change his mind. It was clear that Mrs. Delarayne could not have understood the man she was dealing with; or, if she had, she must have urged this step as a last hope.
As a forlorn hope it certainly appeared to Sir Joseph, and it was only half-heartedly that he opened the attack.
"And now tell me about China," he said. "Have you quite made up your mind?"
Lord Henry rose, thrust his hands deep into his trousers pockets, and paced the hearth-rug.
"I think so," he replied, musing deeply as he glanced from one to the other of Sir Joseph's art treasures.
"But you are doing good here," the baronet protested feebly. "What good will you do in China?"
"I'm not convinced that I am doing good here," Lord Henry rejoined sharply. "That's precisely the point."
"But everybody says you are."
"No doubt."
Sir Joseph turned to his ivory paper-knife. He did not understand.