Summary

A third person narrator says that a man named Ned Willard is returning to Kingsbridge by barge through thick snowfall. He has been away for a year and misses his young love named Margery. He is unsure that still loves him. Their letters ended when Ned’s older brother moved, as Margery’s brother despises Ned. His mother’s keeper named Janet and her husband greet Ned at the docks and take his luggage as he goes to the chapel to pray. There, his former grammar school is in shambles after King Henry VIII dissolved the monastery. However, the church is well maintained. After a quick prayer for his safe travel, he heads to the Fitzgerald’s house hoping to see Margery. When he gets there, however, the maid – who has known him for a while – hesitates. Instead, Margery’s brother Rollo...