In this excerpt, Philippa questions Jerott about his laughter, prompting Lymond to explain that he found a certain picture utterly amusing. He describes a humorous and somewhat absurd scene involving a determined father searching the Levant for his illegitimate child and a young girl assisting with personal care during a supposed emotional reunion. Lymond's storytelling reflects his wit and the lively dynamics among the characters.

He then remarks that such a scene would cause grown adults to burst into laughter if seen by others, suggesting it is both amusing and somewhat exaggerated. Lymond's tone is gentle yet playful as he offers Philippa a drink, emphasizing his appreciation of humor and the human folly behind the story. The exchange showcases Dunnett's character development, blending humor with insights into social pretensions and human nature.