Circumstances antecedent to the story action are next presented.—1. Fanny’s marriage to Nag Hong Fah indicated in “She was his wife,” etc. 2. Account of Fanny. 3. Nag Hong Fah’s operations preceding the proposal. (Note the introduction of a second line of interest in the relations between Nag Hong Fah and Yung Long, and Yung Quai.) 4. The incident of the proposal. (Notice the clues: Fanny claims a right to the streets, a pointer which is augmented by the addition made, under her breath, to her promise, “I’ll play square?”)
Initial Incident: Through Nag Hong Fah’s invitation to Yung Long, “Come! Have a drink!” Fanny and Yung Long have opportunity to appraise each other.
Steps toward Dramatic Climax: 1. Nag Hong Fah pays cash to Yung Long, whom heretofore he has paid on ninety days’ leeway. (What does this signify as to the relations of the two Chinamen?)
2. Birth of Brian, Fanny’s son; the bestowal of gifts upon Fanny by her Chinese husband.
3. The incident between Fanny and her friend Mamie Ryan (to indicate that the Chink is playing square, and therefore Fanny). Indications of Fanny’s happiness.
4. Fanny is impressed by Yung Long but holds to her “squareness.”
5. Nag Hong Fah acquires an option on an uptown restaurant for his second son.
6. Little Fanny is born, bringing a “change into the marital relations”; this time, no gifts are bestowed.
7. Nag tells Fanny he has given up the option. This information on his part leads directly to the
Dramatic Climax: First peak: the excellent scene between Fanny and Nag Hong Fah, where the racial struggle is best dramatized. Fanny’s imploring fails against the stony wall of Nag Hong Fah’s determination. All must be as he says; Little Fanny will be disposed of as he sees fit. With Fanny the greater wrong disappears in the lesser; she forgets her daughter’s education in recalling that she had received no presents at the child’s birth. “A bracelet.... That’s what I’m gonna get!” marks the beginning of the resolution of the complication, which has been so skilfully effected. The first peak of the climax is succeeded by the second peak: Yung Long in passing receives Fanny’s message, “Swell looker!”