Summary

The courtesan business seems to fall as Westerners demand more activity for less payment. Madame Li stresses over the decision to accept foreign suitors. Loyalty suggests to Violet an American who wants to learn to speak Chinese. He wants a woman who also speaks English so they can have interesting conversation.

When Edward visits the first time, he is late and wears rumpled clothing, making Violet believe he is disrespectful. He tells Violet and the other courtesans that he is writing a diary of his travels in China. He recites a poem by Walt Whitman that reminds Violet of the painting “The Valley of Amazement.” Edward makes a comment about the youth of two of the courtesans at which Violet is offended. She stands, indicating to Edward it is time for his visit to be over. Before he leaves, he gives...