Summary

In Chapter 25, it is November 8, 1894 at the McElroy Farm on Orcas Island. Mei Lien is fading fast as the autumn comes to an end. Elizabeth arrives. She has not yet heard of Joseph’s death, and is saddened by the news. Mei Lien explains she is dying, and asks Elizabeth to take in Yan-Tao. Elizabeth says her husband would never allow it. Mei Lien begs Elizabeth to take him in, and offers a 500-dollar purse for Mei Lien’s upkeep. Elizabeth, who is in tears over Joseph’s death now, says she will think about it. When Elizabeth sees the embroidered robe, she is amazed. Elizabeth consents to taking Mei Lien, but says she cannot let people know he is kin because of her husband. The next day, Mei Lien must say goodbye to Yan-Tao. She gifts Yan-Tao with the incomplete robe, cutting off...