. The yellow angel. an strength seemed hidden inher tottering limbs. She would climb aloft toa back balcony of the shack. Step by step shetook the risk. In seasons past, San Lus upper platform,planted before a weather-worn panel whichopened to disclose brightly dressed slave-girls,was known to policemen as the nest of thetrap-door spider. The Black Lily amongslaves of her household had once beenthe acknowledged queen of a Celestial under-world. Now, on the eve of the Chinese NewYear, she stood alone on the tragic balconyand knew that she had pushed aside the woodenpanel for the last time. Curi
. The yellow angel. an strength seemed hidden inher tottering limbs. She would climb aloft toa back balcony of the shack. Step by step shetook the risk. In seasons past, San Lus upper platform,planted before a weather-worn panel whichopened to disclose brightly dressed slave-girls,was known to policemen as the nest of thetrap-door spider. The Black Lily amongslaves of her household had once beenthe acknowledged queen of a Celestial under-world. Now, on the eve of the Chinese NewYear, she stood alone on the tragic balconyand knew that she had pushed aside the woodenpanel for the last time. Curiosity, a distin-guishing trait of the Chinese woman, overcamefear and she bent forward to peer beyond thealley into a prominent pocket of trade. Herelife was rushing and gay; full of Lu longed to go once more upon the street,to mingle with the throng; then, as she gazed,she felt the hand of the devil on her seemed to suffocate. Her presmriptionwas already punished, while the thought of dy-. T-JITIED , bell-men, and gong beaters should rest no instant, when once the ghost of San Lu had been given up. THE BLACK LILY 233 ing alone on the balcony sent her prostrateagainst the rickety railing. Evil spirits wouldtake her before the precautions of Hop Woocould intervene. Why had she ventured onthe roof? Before her eyes mist deepened:she was blind. Suddenly in the street, sheheard the voice of the Jesus-woman—^the soundof the tambourine. To San Lus singing soul there came sharpcomfort. She sat up and peered once moreinto the pocket of trade, gaily dressed withbanners and lanterns waiting for she felt the pulse of life and longed forhuman solace. In the distance she recognizedher pretty slave circling the block in view ofadventure. Moon Dees pale blue satin coatembroidered with pink blossoms flashed abovelavender trousers, while the girls dark, well-shaped head, adorned with a flower, proclaimedher joy in the gala season. San Lus eyes g
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookidcu3192, booksubjectchinese
