The beginning pretty much just described the scenery of where Lord and Lady Arlington, and their son Edward, lived at Arlington Castle in Ireland outside of town, Killarney. Edward was born and raised in Great Britain and is looking for a wife, but not just any wife, he wants one that doesn't like to spend money. Edward is soon married and moves into Arlington Castle with his new bride, now they are referred to as Lady and Lord since Edward's parents died. Turns out she isn't all she is suppose to be and almost puts him into debt. They have a son, Theodore Percival, and when he is about 2, Edward divorces and sues his wife for all the money she spent and since Edward enjoys money so much, he doesn't pay for any education for Theodore. When the time came, Theodore left with Mr. Lewson, an educator, to learn and travel. Lord Arlington made a friend while his son was away, Colonel Connelly, who had a daughter, Horita. The two fathers made plans to unite their children in marriage when the time came. Theodore came back from his travels, 21 yrs old now, and is forced to marry Horita. .
A few months after Horita and Theodore are married; Col. Connelly dies, they have a son named Henry Percival, and Theodore leaves suddenly because of a mysterious letter. On the same day Theodore left a small child, Antoinette, shows up and gives a note, from Theodore, to Lord Arlington and Horita stating he wants them to take in this child and educate it as if it were Horita's daughter. Horita agrees and takes in the child, because she loves Theodore so much. She hires a tutor, Dr. Stromberg, for herself so she can better educate her children in the future. Horita, Lord Arlington, the children, and Dr. Stromberg all live in Arlington Castle and when Lord Arlington dies he leaves his whole estate to Horita and the children. [The children refer to her as "mamma" and father as "papa"] Horita makes plans to move, with the children and Dr.
