Summary

“Precious Jewel (1909)” returns the reader to Ernest’s experience of Jewel’s coming-out party at the Tenderloin. In contrast to the overt sexuality Ernest expects at the high-class brothel, Ernest sees the working girls sing songs, give lectures “on Turkish girls and life in a harem,” and recite Romantic poetry (112). Jewel is missing from the party, and Ernest heads upstairs to find Jewel crying and Maisie comforting her. Jewel says, “I know I’m so much better off this way. But what if he’s some disgusting monster? What if I can’t go through with it? Or what if no one wants me, what if no one bids…” (113). Ernest interrupts with “Who wouldn’t want you?” (114) Jewel thinks that if the men downstairs were as kind and respectful as Ernest, being auctioned off might not be so difficult. Maisie...