. . .
The two men followed their associated and disconnected paths.
Through Benham's chance speeches and notes, White caught glimpses,
as one might catch glimpses through a moving trellis, of that
bilateral adventure. He saw Benham in conversation with liberal-
minded mandarins, grave-faced, bald-browed persons with disciplined
movements, who sat with their hands thrust into their sleeves
talking excellent English; while Prothero pursued enquiries of an
intenser, more recondite sort with gentlemen of a more confidential
type. And, presently, Prothero began to discover and discuss the
merits of opium.
For if one is to disavow all pride and priggishness, if one is to
find the solution of life's problem in the rational enjoyment of
one's sensations, why should one not use opium? It is art
materialized. It gives tremendous experiences with a minimum of
exertion, and if presently its gifts diminish one need but increase
the quantity. Moreover, it quickens the garrulous mind, and
steadies the happiness of love. Across the varied adventures of
Benham's journey in China fell the shadow first of a suspicion and
then of a certainty.
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