Chapter I Summary

Mr. Chips, a retired teacher, is growing sleepy by the fire as is typical when one is growing old. He asks his landlady, Mrs. Wickett, to bring him a cup of tea. Mr. Chips has rented a room from Mrs. Wickett—her house is right across from the school—for the last ten years. In his daily life, he continues to follow the school's schedule—the toll of the school bell tells him when it is time to eat and when it is time for bed. He tries to read his detective novel each night, but usually gets no further than a page before sleep overcomes him.

Despite his advancing years, Dr. Merivale always tell Mr. Chips how healthy he is. But out of Chips' earshot Dr. Merivale cautions Mrs. Wickett to keep an eye on him, especially...