Pamela San Francisco 1906 – 1919 Love and Death

Disaster has brought out the best in Teresa. Ryan watches her work ceaselessly to help raise tents, care for the wounded and feed the hungry. She becomes affectionately known as ‘Madam Bountiful.’ When, after a few months of ferocious energy, she saves enough money to open a new house, none oppose her.

Why, he wonders, does disaster ennoble some? And why doesn’t the sentiment last?

Teresa’s house is three stories of mirrors, gilt, girls and liquor. Mirrors veined with gold reflect and multiply the fifteen waiting buxom blonds. Here, beneath a needlepoint that reads: “If every man was as true to his country as he is to his wife — God help the USA,” Teresa greets her gentleman callers.