Summary

Captain James Duke is now in his early 50’s. He looks back on his life as an unsuccessful sailer and pities himself. A letter arrives informing him that Sedley Duke, his father, has died and James should replace him on the Board of Duke & Sons. Just as he is about to refuse the offer, another letter arrives inviting him to Boston immediately. During the voyage to Boston, he meets Mistress Posey Brandon, who he finds very beautiful. When the passengers are exiting the ship, James struggles with his trunk and falls into the icy harbor. He is saved by Posey and promises to call on her.

Once in Boston, James visits the lawyers Trumbull & Tendrill, who inform him that Sedley has left James his estate out of regret for their estrangement. The estate includes a home in...