Koan-lo the First is one of the wealthiest Chinese merchants in San Francisco. A compassionate man, he has taken on the care of his orphaned nephew, Koan-lo the Second. The younger man is envious of his uncle’s wealth, muttering things like: “He that hath wine hath many friends” (109). He attributes his uncle’s popularity to the older man’s wealth, as opposed to his personal qualities.

While still in China, Koan-lo the Second had fallen in love with Sie, the daughter of a slave. Koan-lo the First was unaware of his nephew’s history with the young woman when he sent for her to be his own bride. Koan-lo the First has sent Sie’s father one installment for her hand in marriage and will pay the balance once she arrives in San Francisco. Sie’s father will be able to use this money to purchase his own freedom.

Koan-lo the First sends his nephew, Koan-lo the Second, to pick up Sie from the steamer. Sie is overjoyed to see Koan-lo the Second, and she assumes that he is the one who purchased her as a bride. The young man, deeply in love and still resentful of his uncle, lets Sie believe that he is her intended husband.