He woos and wins the daughter of a country clergyman, marries, and finds a young family growing up around him.

He is filled with a desire to resume friendly relations with his half-brother George, but is deterred from making the first advances.

George, hearing of this through a common friend, cordially responds, and Richard is invited to spend a few weeks at Binning Hall.

The two brothers, whose bringing up had been so different, and whose ideas and politics were far removed, nevertheless find their mutual companionship very pleasant, and every evening over their port wine relate their respective adventures and experiences, while George has also much to tell of his friends and neighbours around him.

The clergyman of the parish, a former fellow of his college, often makes a third at these meetings; and thus a sufficient variety of topic is insured.