Pages 1 - 15 Summary

A farmer (Mr. Haines), his wife (Mrs. Haines), and an old man named Mr. Oliver have gathered to discuss the possibility of a cesspool being built nearby Pointz Hall, Mr. Oliver's country home. The creation of this cesspool would "bring water to the village" (i.e., homes would finally have indoor plumbing instead of outhouses), but none want the potential filth and stench of a cesspool in their proverbial backyard.

Isa, daughter-in-law to Mr. Oliver (married to his son, Giles Oliver), arrives, and there is an immediate attraction between herself and Mr. Haines. They have met several times, and romantic feelings have been building. Mrs. Haines recognizes this, and intends to end any such notions very shortly.

Meanwhile, Lucy Swithin, Mr. Oliver's sister, is in residence, using Pointz Hall as a summer home. She is an avid reader of history, and...