 Part I-Genesis

The novel opens with Eva's excursion to a lake in the neighbourhood of Larkins where she is staying as a paying guest since her father's death.The lady of Larkins, Iseult Arble, is a former teacher of Eva's whom Eva is very fond of during the school days.However, Eva does not presently fancy Arbles' guardianship and often travels to the Danceys' house where she can enjoy the company of Catrina, Henry, Andrew and Louise Dancey.