Creative composition of 19century world, individual and society naraative set in china

Sybil Graham and Chaen-Li sat close together, exchanging short phrases. They spoke little, partly from Chaen-Li's minimal English and partly to preserve what little warmth they had. There was no fire and the silk drapings on the wall, with beautifully painted characters chanting moral principles, were little insulation from the cold.
Sybil and her father had been invited by Mr Li to share tea, and see if Mr Graham could offer any advice for his wife, who was ill. Mr Graham was obliged to accept since it was only polite, and he might lead them to the 'Light'. The Chinese may be more willing…