Part 1 Chapter 5 Summary

Billy Prior visits his fiancée, Sarah Lumb, before he ships out to France. This visit is fraught with tension, because Billy and Sarah would like nothing better than to spend time alone together. But Sarah's mother, Ada, is seeing that doesn't occur.

Ada appeared in town 18 years before with her two daughters, Sarah and Cynthia, who still live at home with her. On the surface, Ada is a penitent Christian, entertaining the local vicar on Sundays after church. On Saturday nights, however, she spends the evening at séances, the antithesis of Christianity.

Billy isn't entirely convinced that he'll marry Sarah. Their wedding is still a year away and he feels he has a lot of life to live. Currently, she's available and wants him. They try to be alone together after everyone has gone to bed, as...