The House of Doors
by Tan Twan Eng
Contents
Chapter Eleven
Overview
Lesley recounts 1910, when Sun Wen's visits drew her into the revolutionary cause and she began editing Tong Meng Hui translations at the Armenian Street reading club, befriending Dr Arthur Loh and his collection of salvaged painted doors. After confronting Robert, who denied any affair, Lesley discovers a love note in his pocket signed by Peter Ong - revealing Robert's lover is a man. Shattered, she vows to keep the secret.
Summary
In 1910 Penang, Sun Wen (Sun Yat Sen) becomes a regular visitor at Cassowary House, debating Chinese politics with Robert. Lesley's brother Geoff comes to interview him; despite Sun Wen's flagging fundraising and a hostile press, Lesley persuades him to grant Geoff an interview, with safeguards. Lesley accompanies Sun Wen and Geoff to the Tong Meng Hui's reading club on Armenian Street, where she is electrified by Sun Wen's speech, sensing she is witnessing history.
Lesley immerses herself in Robert's books on Chinese history, learning about the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion, whose women fought as equals. She and Robert briefly bond over the discussions. When Sun Wen needs help translating Tong Meng Hui pamphlets, Robert forbids Lesley's involvement; she defies him. Confronting Robert about an affair, he denies it angrily, blaming gossipy women.
Lesley begins working weekly at the reading club, befriending Dr Arthur Loh, a Straits Chinese GP whose grandmother was a Taiping rebel. They discuss Ethel Proudlock's looming murder trial; Arthur cynically predicts a white woman will never be hanged. Arthur takes Lesley to a nearby shophouse where he collects salvaged painted doors from demolished temples and homes, including ones depicting the Gods of the Doors and a samurai's death poem.
Sun Wen introduces Lesley to Chui Fen, his unmarried partner of twenty years; his first wife will soon join them. Arthur reveals Sun Wen's truest love is China herself, who will demand everything and finally crush his heart. Arthur's own marriage was arranged to Anna.
One evening, Ah Peng hands Lesley papers retrieved from Robert's pockets by the dhobi. Among them is a love note signed "Peter" - Robert's assistant Peter Ong. Lesley realises Robert's lover is a man. Devastated and ashamed, she resolves no one must ever know. She speaks with Ah Peng, who took Sor Hei vows of spinsterhood and now considers Lesley's family her own. Lesley tears up the note as a monsoon storm engulfs the house.
Who Appears
- Lesley HamlynNarrates 1910; drawn into Sun Wen's cause, editing translations, and devastated to learn Robert's lover is a man.
- Sun Wen (Sun Yat Sen)Revolutionary leader struggling to fundraise; gives a powerful speech at the reading club and introduces his partner Chui Fen.
- Robert HamlynLesley's husband; debates Chinese history with her, forbids her reading club work, and denies an affair when confronted.
- GeoffLesley's journalist brother; interviews Sun Wen and publishes sympathetic articles about him.
- Dr Arthur LohStraits Chinese GP and Tong Meng Hui member whose Taiping grandmother inspired him; befriends Lesley and collects salvaged painted doors.
- Ah PengLesley's old amah who took Sor Hei spinsterhood vows; finds Robert's incriminating note and comforts Lesley.
- Chui FenSun Wen's longtime partner of twenty years, skilled with guns and martial arts, considered his wife by supporters.
- Peter OngRobert's assistant; revealed through a love note to be Robert's secret lover.
- Ethel ProudlockLesley's friend imprisoned in Pudoh Gaol awaiting her murder trial; rarely replies to letters.