In September 1950, Elizabeth MacLeod is living in her childhood farm home in Raleigh, Vermont, with her 17-year-old son Rennie.

The mailman arrives three mornings each week, and each time Elizabeth hopes for a letter from her husband Gerald in China, where she lived with him until Rennie was twelve.

She and her husband are very much in love, but Gerald, a Eurasian, sent her and Rennie to America because the communist uprising in China made it dangerous for white people.

Gerald rarely writes because communication with westerners is banned by the Communists.

Baba liked his wife Ai-lan, the sister of his friend Han Yu-Ren - but he did not love her.

After Gerald was born, Ai-lan became interested in Sun Yat-sen's ideas for revolution.

[5] She moved south, became a violent revolutionist, and was killed in 1930 by the secret police of the Nationalist government.

The next day, the postman brought a magazine mailed from a post office box in Peking.

[7] Elizabeth meets Allegra, Rennie's girlfriend, and does not think her a good match for her son.

Elizabeth notices that the unmarried Bruce "is even-tempered, inclined to silence and meditation, all good qualities in a husband.

Mei-lan wishes to care for her husband in Elizabeth's absence and requests the support of her "older sister."

At this point in the story, Gerald's full last-letter to Elizabeth is printed in the book.

He requested her support for his decision to stay in China and protect his wife and child by sending them to America.

She sends a letter expressing her love for him and her full support of Mei-lan and their husband, Gerald.

Elizabeth appreciates the letter from her "younger sister" but knows that her neighbors would not understand her love for Gerald living with Mei-lan in China.

Rennie writes that he is studying physics at a mid-western college and paying his way.

Mei-lan sends letters to Ellizabeth through friends in Manila and Bangkok.

Baba does not remember Sam or Rennie very well, but the Christmas gathering is happy.

Rennie marries George Bowen's twin sister Mary, with Elizabeth's blessing.

Elizabeth considers Baba's loveless life a poor example for living, something she will not endorse.