the family home in Seacliff, San Francisco has settled back into its customary routine now that Paul's adopted daughter, Teddy, has become Mrs Elwood Giddings, and has moved to San Rafael with her husband. Yes, tonight began as many another night has begun. After dinner, mother and father went to their accustomed chairs in the library, then Clifford came in to take his place with the evening paper. Paul joined them for a few minutes, and then excused himself and made his way to his studio at the top of the house. Now it 10pm, and mother heads up to Paul's studio at the top of the house...