The Second Epoch: The Story continued by Marian Halcombe, Parts I-V Summary

It is June 11th, 1850, a full six months since the wedding, and Marian anticipates the return of Sir Percival and Laura to England. Marian waits for them at Sir Percival's home called Blackwater Park in Hampshire. Since the wedding, Solicitor Gilmore suffered a stroke and his business partner is abroad. Frederick Fairlie is cataloging his treasures through photography. Marian explores the ancient home and property, which she finds partly in disrepair. She finds a dying dog and brings it to the house, where she is told that the dog was probably shot by the groundskeeper and that it could be Mrs. Catherick's. Mrs. Catherick of Welmingham had been to the house the day before looking for her daughter, Anne.

Marian finds Laura changed...