Christopher Tietjens and Vincent Macmaster are riding in a train in 1912. Christopher is a near genius with encyclopedic knowledge. Macmaster is a literary critic. Both English gentlemen, they and others who belong to their class run the country. Christopher is of a great family, the Tietjenses of Groby, from Yorkshire. Macmaster, Christopher’s protégé, is the son of a Scottish grocer. Both work in the Imperial Department of Statistics in London. Sylvia, Christopher’s wife, has run off with another man. As a cover, Sylvia’s mother, who is very fond of Christopher, has gone to a spa in Lobscheid, Germany, explaining that Sylvia will meet her there. Macmaster does not think highly of Sylvia; he feels Christopher should divorce her. However, Sylvia has recently sent Christopher a letter, informing him she wants to come back. Christopher and Macmaster have a lengthy discussion about social morals. Christopher says, “I stand for monogamy. And for no talking about it” 18). When they arrive at the station, they are met by General Campion. He suggests they play a round of golf later. Macmaster remains behind while Christopher goes on to Rye.