The Paper Daughters of Chinatown - Heather B. Moore Page 0,41
she could take both interpreters with her, but with Mrs. Field’s negativity, Dolly didn’t want to leave the girls abandoned, so she invited only one.
“Yuen Qui, will you come with me?”
The young woman rose quickly, nodding a farewell to the others at the table.
Dolly wished she could speak to the staff members without the director and explain that she didn’t have the same feelings. Yet she knew Ah Cheng could handle herself around Mrs. Field.
Tien followed Dolly and Yuen Qui to the front door, where Dolly told the girl, “Stay out of trouble while we’re gone. Help Ah Cheng if needed.”
Tien nodded like an obedient child.
The fall day was cool, but the sun felt lovely on Dolly’s face. They walked to the corner, where they hailed a buggy. As Yuen Qui settled next to her, Dolly couldn’t help but say, “I’m sorry about Mrs. Field.”
“I know who you are, Miss Cameron,” Yuen Qui said in her accented English. “You are not Mrs. Field.”
This was perhaps the nicest compliment Dolly had ever received. She hoped she was nothing like the director, but she still didn’t understand how the woman could be so cold toward other humans in desperate need.
When they arrived at the harbor and climbed out of the buggy, Dolly took a few deliberate, calming breaths. She never knew what to expect on this type of errand, so she silently prayed that whatever the situation was, she would be able to help.
Moments later, she and Yuen Qui stepped into the immigration office.
The immigration officer on duty adjusted his spectacles and greeted her, then nodded to Yuen Qui. “We’ve a young woman in custody. She’s about fifteen, is my guess, and that’s what she told us as well. But her story has many holes, and she’s already broken down more than once, becoming nearly hysterical. I think it would help her to speak to a woman, and maybe you can find out if she’s speaking the truth.” He continued to relay brief details about the young woman and why he didn’t think she was telling the truth.
Dolly didn’t hesitate. “Show us to the girl.”
The immigration officer led Dolly and Yuen Qui past two doors, then stopped at the third. He turned the knob, and Dolly entered the room to find a young Chinese woman sitting alone on a bench. She clutched a small satchel against her as if she were afraid someone would take it away. Her gaze met Dolly’s, but there was no emotion or interest in her eyes.
Dolly crossed to the young woman and sat next to her, with Yuen Qui hovering close. Dolly smiled and said, “I’m Donaldina Cameron, and I’m from the mission home. What’s your name?”
The young woman’s gaze darted to Yuen Qui as she translated Dolly’s words. Then the young woman looked back at Dolly, who smiled again and pointed to her own chest. “Donaldina Cameron.” Then she pointed to the young woman.
“Jean Ying,” she said at last.
“And where are you from?” Dolly asked.
Another darted glance at Yuen Qui as she translated, then Jean Ying said, “I am from Canton.”
Dolly nodded. “Wonderful. Are you here with your family?”
Jean Ying’s story came out in a halting tone, and it was what she had also told the immigration officer. Jean Ying was adamant that she had a job and a family in the area, and that they were expecting her.
Finally, after asking all the leading questions she could think of, Dolly placed a steady hand on Jean Ying’s petite ones. “We wish you all the best in San Francisco. But should you ever need any help, please send word to 920 Sacramento Street.”
Jean Ying lifted her chin and nodded with a confidence that wasn’t reflected in her dark brown eyes.
Dolly sensed that the immigration officer was right to have doubts. Jean Ying was holding back information. At this point, however, there was nothing else Dolly could do. Perhaps this mission had been a failure from the start. Only time would tell.
After Dolly and Yuen Qui left the office, they returned to the mission home wrapped up in their own thoughts. Just before they reached the front steps leading to the porch, Dolly stopped Yuen Qui. “Your people are not a burden,” Dolly said quietly. “All humans need a helping hand now and then on this earth. Right now is the time that your people are in need, and providence had given me the opportunity to help.”
Yuen Qui nodded, moisture welling in her eyes. She clasped Dolly’s hand.