At the present moment the country is in the hands of a body of highly respectable and well-meaning men who, as a parish council, might conduct the affairs of Dorminster Town with unqualified success.

As statesmen they do not exist.

It seems to me, Nigel, that you and I are going to see in reality that spectre which terrified the world twenty years ago.

We are going to see the breaking up of a mighty empire." "Tell me what has happened or is going to happen," Nigel begged.
"Well, for one thing," his uncle replied, "the Emperor of the East is preparing for a visit to Europe.

He will be here probably next month.
You know whom I mean, of course ?" "Prince Shan!" Nigel exclaimed.
"Prince Shan of China," Lord Dorminster assented.