her to a pair of blue mohair seats near the window. “Please, join me for tea. I remember how I felt my first day here. You must be overwhelmed.”
Elizabeth sank into the chair. “A little, I’m afraid.”
Miss Cameron lifted a white teapot marked with Chinese characters and guided a stream of liquid into two small cups. “I came from a loving home in the countryside and was woefully unprepared for what I faced my first day here.” Her Scottish accent colored her words. “Sometimes I think back on that naïve girl and wish I could tell her what grand adventures lay ahead. Much heartache, too, of course. I never imagined my life would turn out this way, but I followed God’s leading, and He’s taken me places I never anticipated.”
Elizabeth wrapped her fingers around the warm cup. “You sound like my sister, Ruby. She speaks often of God’s plans and His will.”
The light from the window glinted off the silver threads in the woman’s hair. “The deeper you involve yourself in His work, the more you’re aware of the actions of His hands.” She leaned forward, capturing Elizabeth’s gaze with her own. “What of you, my dear? Have you seen God’s fingerprints in your own life?”
Elizabeth thought over her past. “My father was quite devout, but he passed away when I was young. I’ve tried hard to live a good life, pleasing to God. I . . .” A lump formed in her throat. How could she even say such a thing? “I fail often, I’m afraid.”
“We all do, child. It’s a good thing He loves us, regardless.” She stood and retrieved a large, black ledger from the desk. “Each of His children is precious to Him, whether or not we make wise choices.” She returned to her seat and placed both hands on the leather cover. “Every time a new girl comes to 920, I record her story in this book—as many details as I know, anyhow. The tales can break one’s heart, as I’m sure they do our Heavenly Father’s.” She ran her fingers around the book’s worn edge. “But their old lives are behind them. When one of our daughters embraces Christ’s sacrifice, she becomes a new creation. Scripture tells us the old is gone, the new is come. Whether she comes as an innocent babe or from the most sordid brothel, from a privileged home or from the darkest opium den—each girl is made new through Christ.”
Elizabeth brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. A clean slate sounded too good to be true.
Miss Cameron held out the book. “You might care to read up on your students’ histories. You’ll understand them better if you know from whence they came.”
The tome felt heavy in her hand as if the weight of the past could pull her to the floor. “When do I begin teaching?”
“In the morning, if you’re ready.”
Elizabeth’s heart clambered toward her throat. “I can be.”
Miss Cameron smiled. “I believe you’re going to be a wonderful addition, Elizabeth.” She paused. “May I call you Elizabeth? In front of the girls I’ll maintain formality, but I prefer to be on a first-name basis otherwise.”
“Of course. And I should call you—”
“Donaldina. I think we’ll be fine friends, and I can’t wait to see you in action. Now, are you hungry? I believe supper is about ready.”
Elizabeth nodded, hoping her churning stomach would allow a few swallows of food. She stood and followed Donaldina to the large dining room.
A flurry of conversations hushed as they entered, every face turning to study the newcomer. Elizabeth ran a quick hand over her shirtwaist and straightened her posture. Hold yourself like a teacher. She let her gaze wander over the girls, marveling at the wide variety of ages. She longed to know each unique face. At the end of one row, she spotted tiny Yoke Soo, bouncing in her seat. The girl waved. Elizabeth’s steps lightened. One down, how many to go?
Donaldina took Elizabeth’s arm and guided her to the front of the room, taking her place at a wooden podium.
Elizabeth folded her hands, conscious of the many sets of eyes.
“Good evening, girls.” Donaldina nodded to the gathering, as regal as a queen presiding over her subjects.
“Good evening, Lo Mo.” The children echoed, a flurry of smiles brightening the room.
Donaldina paused, waiting for them to quiet. “I’m pleased to present our new sewing teacher, Miss Elizabeth King. Miss King comes to us from Sacramento. I know you will make her feel welcome.” She waited as the girls’ murmuring quieted. “Now, let us pray for our meal, shall we?”
All around the room, heads bowed.
After the prayer, Donaldina led Elizabeth to a small table set off to one side. “Often I join the girls for dinner, but tonight I’d like to get to know you better.” She waved Kum Yong over to join them.
The graceful young woman took a seat, nodding to Elizabeth.
Donaldina poured water from a pitcher in the center of the table. “I wanted to speak to both of you about the proceedings tomorrow.”
Elizabeth eyed the steaming bowl of thin noodles topped with limp green leaves—spinach? Her last meal seemed like days ago. The food looked unusual, but smelled divine.
Kum Yong held the serving dish out to Elizabeth, directing her words at Donaldina. “We are due in court at nine o’clock.”
Taking a small portion, Elizabeth glanced at her tablemates. Court?
Donaldina spread a napkin on her lap. “How is Tien Gum? Has she calmed down?”
“I’m afraid not.” Kum Yong accepted the platter back and dished up a helping on her plate. “The idea of facing her captors makes her fearful.”
“At one time she thought nothing could be more terrifying than Fahn Quai.” Donaldina shook her head.
Elizabeth took a bite, letting the food linger on her tongue before chewing and swallowing. “What does that mean?”
Kum Yong’s nostrils flared. “The distasteful term is what some, outside this house, call Miss Cameron.”
Donaldina leaned close and spoke under her breath. “Means ‘white devil.’ I’ve earned many names among the Chinese. That’s the one they use to frighten their charges into obedience. ‘Be good or Fahn Quai will get you.’ ”
“I’d think they’d wish you to come save them.” Elizabeth dug at the slippery green vegetables with her fork.
“The stories you’re told shape how you view the world. If you heard I stole children away and ate them for breakfast, you might be frightened of me, too.”
Kum Yong smiled. “Once they arrive here, they learn the truth—no one is a better friend than Lo Mo.” She leaned close to Elizabeth. “Lo Mo is our nickname for Miss Cameron. It means ‘old mother.’ ” She glanced at Donaldina. “Meant in the kindest possible way.”
Donaldina touched a napkin to her lips. “You should come along tomorrow, Elizabeth. You can witness some of the challenges they face. We’ll return in plenty of time to prepare for class.”
“Of course, whatever you think is best.” Elizabeth
