A salutation of respect in China is to comment on the mature and even venerable appearance of one’s guest. When the Minister to Siam called officially on Li Hung Chang he was accompanied by a prominent missionary, a man eighty years of age, with white hair and beard, who was to serve as interpreter. Unknown to Mr. Barrett, the missionary and the Chinaman had had a falling out some years before. Li came into the reception-room, saluted Mr. Barrett cordially, and bowed stiffly to the patriarchal interpreter. To the youthful minister the premier said:

“I congratulate you, sir, on your venerable mien.” And then, nodding toward the octogenarian, he asked: “And is this your son?”