"I do not wish to tire you with the intricacies of international affairs," (Shorthand for we do not yet trust each other so well) "But if I were to guess, I would wonder whether the Argentines ever covet their own port. As you know, they have none. And we are not likely to give ours up."

The last words he pronounces with firmness.

Sei's tea arrives, brought by a servant in violet livery. It's a grassy, sweet green, brewed well but just a little cold from its trip down the hall.