{Prester John = Mythical ruler believed in the Middle Ages to head a
powerful Christian Kingdom somewhere in Asia; later identified with
the Christian Kings of Ethiopia in Africa}

"Prester John! That would, indeed, be quite invaluable!"

This Asiatic diversion was a happy one, and came very apropos, for it
carried Miss Rowley into China; she inquired if I had any Chinese
connections.

"Though altogether, I am pretty well satisfied with my Chinese
negotiations; as soon as the Celestial Empire was opened to the
civilized world, I engaged an agent there to collect for me. But, could
you put me on the track of a Confucius?"

{opened to the civilized world = following the so-called Opium War,
Britain had in 1842 forced China to open trade with her}

I was obliged to admit my inability to do so; and at the same
moment the collecting instincts of Lady Holberton and Mr. T-----,
drew their attention to the corner where Miss Rowley and myself
were conversing; as they moved toward us, Miss Rowley pocketed
her list, throwing herself upon my honor not to betray the
deficiencies in her role d'equipage, or the collecting negociations just
opened between us. Lady Holberton, as she advanced, invited Miss
Rowley, with an ill-concealed air of triumph, to feast her eyes once
more on the Lumley autograph, and not long after the party broke
up.