Chapter Two
Contains spoilersOverview
Robin arrives in London, is legally made Lovell’s ward, and begins rigorous Latin, Greek, and Mandarin training aimed at Oxford. He overhears hints about colonial schemes and his likely parentage. After missing a lesson, Lovell beats him, forcing a choice: submission or exile. Robin commits, studies relentlessly for years, and departs for Oxford.
Summary
Robin lands in London, awed by a city powered by silver. Lovell takes him to Hampstead, outfits him through doctors and tailors, and has him naturalized as an English ward—not a son. At dinner, Lovell extols Oxford and the Royal Institute of Translation, setting Robin’s goal.
Formal lessons begin: patient Mr Felton teaches Latin; stricter Mr Chester teaches Greek. Lovell insists on Mandarin practice so Robin does not lose native fluency, which he feels slipping without Chinese speakers around him. Scholars visit to discuss empire; when Robin intrudes, Hayward remarks on his uncanny resemblance to Lovell and “the last,” and Lovell silences him. Robin privately suspects his parentage but resolves never to ask.
When Lovell is at Oxford, Robin explores London’s print culture, slang, and politics, and learns English foodways with Mrs Piper. At Hatchards, Lovell buys him The King’s Own. Lost in the novel, Robin misses Greek.
Lovell finds him and, with cold precision, strikes him and beats him with a poker, then delivers a racist ultimatum: devote himself utterly or return to Canton. Terrified, Robin chooses to stay. Life resumes as if nothing happened; he endures class that night and redoubles his discipline thereafter.
Years pass. Robin excels in Latin and Greek, reading widely in the canon while history rolls on—cholera, abolition debates, and reactionary salon talk among Lovell’s circle. Abruptly told he is expected at Oxford, Robin prepares to leave. Mrs Piper gifts shortbread and a tender farewell as he departs for the university he has long imagined.
Who Appears
- Robin Swift
Protagonist; naturalized in London, begins intensive language study, suspects Lovell’s paternity, is brutally beaten after missing class, commits to excel, and leaves for Oxford.
- Professor Richard Lovell
Guardian and translator; orchestrates Robin’s assimilation and schooling, praises Oxford, silences talk of paternity, and beats Robin to enforce discipline.
- Mrs Piper
Housekeeper-cook; feeds and comforts Robin, shares etymologies, quietly ignores his injuries, and bids him farewell with shortbread.
- Mr Felton
Latin tutor; patient and encouraging, emphasizes grammar and macrons, assigns heavy workloads.
- Mr Chester
Greek tutor; stricter and easily irritated, continues lessons after Robin’s beating.
- Mr Hayward
Lovell’s colleague; hints Robin resembles Lovell and references a previous boy, prompting Lovell’s sharp rebuke.
- Mr Ratcliffe
Visiting scholar; participates in colonial and anti-suffrage salon talk, exemplifying reactionary views.
- Mr Hallows
Visitor; laments abolition’s impact on West Indies and suggests importing Chinese labor, revealing imperial attitudes.