Part 1 — Chapter 1

Summary

• The chapter introduces the protagonist, Edwin St. John St. Andrew, an 18-year-old who is travelling by steamship from England to Canada. He is transitioning into a different world and feels like he's been sent into exile.
• Edwin comes from a noble background, with his ancestors including William the Conqueror. His grandfather's impending death would make his father an earl. However, Edwin doesn't have a promising future in England.
• He finds no interest in the professions suitable for a gentleman in England. His older brother Gilbert is bound to inherit the family estate while he inherits nothing. The middle brother, Niall, is already in Australia.
• Edwin's radical views, which he unveiled at a dinner party, further hastened his departure from England.
• Despite no experience, Edwin optimistically lists his occupation as "farmer" on the ship's manifest. It strikes him later that he's yet to handle any farming tool, such as a spade.