“Oh, the devil to pay and all! It was insult of blackest nature.”
“I don't quite see that.”
“Oh, yes. He should not have written in arrogant put-in-your-place way. His Excellency most graciously gave orders to prepare ceremonial banquet and presents of highest value, but in his calm eye flashed light of battle to death. You see, sir, it was thought of Kang to show all T'ainan and near-by province who was who, taking bull by horns.”
“Hmm! I don't know as I... well, go on.”
“In particular His Excellency made prepare great bowl of sweet lotus soup, for in past years Kang had great weakness for such soup made by old cook of far-away Canton who attach to His Excellency a devil of a while ago.”
“And so they had the banquet?”
“Oh, yes, and I was privileged to be in midst.”
“You were there?”
“Oh, yes. Banquet was of great dignity and courteous good fellowship.”
“I don't altogether understand the good fellowship.”