Scottie and Midge visit an old bookstore to consult with Pop Leibel about a mysterious woman from San Francisco's past. Pop recounts the tragic history of Carlotta Valdes, a woman who was discarded by a powerful man and driven to madness and suicide after her child was taken from her.
POP LEIBEL: Yes ... the Beautiful Carlotta ... the Sad Carlotta....
SCOTTIE: What does a big old wooden house on the corner of Eddy and Gough Street have to do with her?
POP LEIBEL: It was hers. It was built for her. Many years ago.
SCOTTIE: By whom?
POP LEIBEL: By ... no ... the name I do not remember. A rich man, a powerful man. It is not an unusual story. She came from somewhere small, to the south of the city ... some say from a mission settlement ... young, yes; very young.
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