opening of the novel introduces a poignant moment at the deathbed of Ethel Brand, emphasizing the deep bond between her and Margaret, who is fervently hoping for a last-minute reunion between Ethel and her estranged grandson, St. Udo. As Margaret reflects on her past and the unusual will that ties her future to St. Udo, the narrative sets the stage for a story filled with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the conflict between duty and personal desire. Tension mounts as Margaret fears the implications of the will and St. Udo's disdainful attitude towards her, revealing both class tensions and the complexities of love and obligation that characterize their intertwined fates. (This is an automatically generated summary.)