In this dilemma I determined to apply again to the shopkeeper from whom I bought the tea.

I found him in rather low spirits, his shirt-sleeves were soiled, and his hair was out of curl.

On my inquiring how he got on, he informed me that he intended speedily to leave, having received little or no encouragement, the people, in their Gothic ignorance, preferring to deal with an old-fashioned shopkeeper over the way, who, so far from possessing any acquaintance with the polity and institutions of the Chinese, did not, he firmly believed, know that tea came from China.

'You are come for some more, I suppose ?' said he.

On receiving an answer in the negative he looked somewhat blank, but when I added that I came to consult with him as to the means which I must take in order to acquire the Chinese language he brightened up.