The chapter introduces the protagonist, Edwin St. John St. Andrew, an 18-year-old who is travelling by steamship from England to Canada. He is transitioning into a different world and feels like he's been sent into exile.
Edwin comes from a noble background, with his ancestors including William the Conqueror. His grandfather's impending death would make his father an earl. However, Edwin doesn't have a promising future in England.
He finds no interest in the professions suitable for a gentleman in England. His older brother Gilbert is bound to inherit the family estate while he inherits nothing. The middle brother, Niall, is already in Australia.
Edwin's radical views, which he unveiled at a dinner party, further hastened his departure from England.
Despite no experience, Edwin optimistically lists his occupation as "farmer" on the ship's manifest. It strikes him later that he's yet to handle any farming tool, such as a spade.