Munsey's Magazine, November 1926

Scarlet Poppies Mary Imlay Taylor's complete novelette features Bic Glasgow, an American fruit company agent, who falls suddenly in love with Consuelo Cordoba, "La Amapola" (The Poppy), a celebrated Mexican dancer and singer of mixed Spanish and Aztec heritage. During New Year's Eve festivities on a Mexican plaza, Glasgow glimpses Consuelo and becomes infatuated. They meet again on the Street of Broken Hearts, where Glasgow declares his love and they kiss through the iron bars of her aunt's barred window. The narrative develops romantic tension as Consuelo fears Don Cesar Rojas, a wealthy suitor she previously rejected, who has become dangerously obsessed with her. When Cesar appears at her window after Glasgow's departure, Consuelo struggles to keep him from entering, terrified of his violent jealousy. The story explores themes of passion, cultural difference, and danger in a Mexican setting, with an air of romantic fatalism heightened by an ill-omened candle-lighting ceremony earlier that evening.