Chapter 10 Summary

Mui, the house keeper, greeted Lin and Pei at the door of Lin's family home. She expressed sheer joy at having Lin come home. It had been twelve years since Lin had left for her work in the silk industry. Mui's tenderness was reciprocated by Lin. When Lin's own mother had been aloof, Mui had given Lin the comfort of a mother. Later, when Lin's mother, Wong Tai, was ill, Mui was Lin's confidant and helped her obtain her job in the silk trade. Mui's happiness at seeing Lin was tempered by the mistress of the house. Wong Tai had not seen her daughter since Lin had joined the sisterhood. Wong Tai did not hesitate to share her disappointment at Lin's choice. She remained cordial, yet distant, and politely thanked Lin for making the long journey home.

Two days later, Lin's brother was...