The First Epoch: The Story continued by Marian Halcombe, in Extracts from her Diary, Parts I-II Summary

Laura's diary begins November 8th. Marian speaks candidly with Laura about the engagement to Sir Percival. Laura feels compelled to go through with the marriage according to her late father's wishes, but she loves Walter Hartright, the art tutor. Marian gets a letter from Walter Hartright that says he thinks he is being followed and that he seeks work abroad. Laura tells Sir Percival that they need to talk, so the next day she sits with Marian to tell him that she will honor her obligation to marry. She adds that it is up to him to break off the engagement because she loves someone else, someone she might never see again. Sir...