George. No, thanks ... I'll wait for tea.
Harry. She ought to be here in a moment. [Suddenly making up his mind.] It's no good beating about the bush. I may as well tell you at once. Her—her mother was Chinese.
George. [Unable to conceal his dismay.] Oh, Harry. [A pause.] I wish I hadn't said all that I did just now.
Harry. Of course you didn't know.
George. [Gravely.] I should have had to say something very like it, Harry. But I shouldn't have put it so bluntly.
Harry. You said yourself there were exceptions.
George. I know. [Distressed.] Won't your people be rather upset?
Harry. I don't see how it can matter to them. They're nine thousand miles away.
George. Who was her father?
Harry. Oh, he was a merchant. He's dead. And her mother is too.