The Inverted House
father learned to brew. He was a tea-master and you must know that a tea-master is the greatest of all artists, greater than a painter, greater than an etcher, greater than a sculptor or a spinner of fine gold. Yet a tea-master may do any of these things. The fact that he is a tea-master refines his work. It makes it immortal. No tea-master would ever dream of setting to work at his craft without first being steeped in the aroma of tea. My father's father was a poet. His songs are still echoed by yellow men throughout the length and breadth of China. Truly I am fortunate in being so nobly ancestored."
As he spoke he refilled the lotus-like cups.
Ras Orla was entranced by his host's conversation. Yuan Shi Kai was a man of rare education. He had traveled much for there were few subjects that Ras Orla could mention upon which he was not able to converse fluently. He spoke English perfectly, almost without the slightest trace of accent. He did not mention where he had learned to do so nor did Ras Orla ask him for he sensed that this was one of the questions which his host did not wish to answer.
When naught but the dregs of the tea remained, Yuan Shi Kai rose to his feet.
"Come," said he, "I will show you through my house for I know that it is the house that has brought you here. There is scant credit due me for your presence. But enough. I think you will not be disappointed. Usually a man lives in a house but in this case the
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