Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Micky is twenty-three years old when his father appears in London to purchase rifles. Micky prefers the elegance of London to his own country. He does not want to return to his family and country. As they are walking down a London street, his father, Papa Miranda, is talking about the two thousand rifles and ammunition that he needs to purchase. Micky is afraid to ask his father why he needs so many guns but helps him arrange the purchase and tries to help him work with a merchant bank.

Micky and Papa Miranda walk to Kensington Gore, the new mansion of the Pilaster family, where Augusta has a tea party in progress. Micky introduces Carlos to Seth Pilaster, who runs the bank. When he meets Edward, Edward tells Carlos that he and Micky are soul mates. Micky tells him that...