1901, London. On account of the untimely death of his father, Mr Rhodes has had to return to England after several years of business-related travel. Being the only son, he is now officially the head of the highly reputable family and chief manager of all its extended interests. While awaiting the arrival of their host, Lord & Lady Campbell and Mr & Mrs Paley are having drinks in a grand, beautiful drawing room, conversing on the topics of war, travel, social clubs and - most significantly - business. Mr Paley, on behalf of himself and his associates, is looking for further financial and political backing in regards to an African mining venture - and Lord Campbell, being an old friend of Rhodes, hopes his aiding in the introductions and subsequent brokering would make a much-needed impression on his family and friends. Mrs Paley is all a-flutter from being in such elevated company; it soon becomes apparent that Mr Rhodes is of special importance to Lady Campbell. At length Rhodes enters; everyone draws a shallow breath. After the due pleasantries and condolences, they turn to the areas of the London scene, Rhodes’ travels, and eventually - unavoidably - the business venture at hand. Rhodes, his travels having made him both more cautious and less callous, patiently states his doubts about the enterprise and its potential consequences. But he is only human, and despite his misgivings - and those of the ever more overtly affectionate Lady Campbell - Mr Paley’s methods of persuasion prove to be quite effective.