Part One: Chapter II, Glories of the Past Summary and Analysis

Maria must get used to the giant house and the many people in the mansion. Aside from the Captain, his children, Hans, and the Baroness, there is Resi, the cook, the kitchen maid, "Mariandl", other housemaids, a gardener, and Franz, who looks over the farm.

Baroness Matilda invites Maria to her room and tells her about the baron's life. The Captain, the Baroness explains, is the first to command a submarine for Austria. During World War I, his military heroism earns him the title of "Baron". His wife, the grandchild of the inventor of the torpedo—Robert Whitehead, dies of scarlet fever soon after their seventh child is born. Ever since his wife's death he is a sad man who provides anything money can buy for...