Not many Englishmen mastered the language, or indeed knew anything of it; that huge empire was a mere blank to be filled up by the imaginings of prejudice and hostility.

Was it not a task worth setting before oneself, worth pursuing for a lifetime, that of trying to make known to English folk their bugbear of the East?
"Then this," said Olga, "is to be the end of your life ?" "The end?
No, not even that." On their return, he found himself alone with Mrs.Hannaford for a few minutes.

He spoke abruptly, with an effort.
"Do you see much of the Derwents ?" "Not much.

Our lives are so different, you know." "Will you tell me frankly?
If I called there--when I come south again--should I be welcome ?" "Oh, why not ?" replied the lady, veiling embarrassment.

"I see." Otway's face darkened.