Volume 2: Chapters 4–6 Summary
Chapter 4
It is the fall of 2092, and Lionel returns to his family estate in Windsor. He decides to live a quiet, retired life, taking no more part in wars or public affairs. There seems little need for him to do so, since the world has grown suddenly peaceful, and Adrian expresses the hope that an earthly paradise is coming, in which there will be no more conflict. However, news soon comes from Greece of a plague which has killed all those who have attempted to rebuild the conquered city of Constantinople. Soon afterward, the plague comes to Athens, where it kills many people and causes an exodus from the city.
The plague continues to grow in the East, but is soon forgotten when a new story comes to England. In Asia and the Eastern extremity of Europe, it is said, a black sun has risen, causing widespread panic among people and animals. Lionel, however, concentrates solely on his own home and his wife and children. His second-born child died when he was in Greece, and Idris is consequently fearful for the safety of the others, but her fears seem to be unfounded. Alfred, the eldest of them, goes to school at Eton and quickly becomes a fine student. His progress, and the free-spirited attitudes of his classmates, give Lionel hope for the future.
Chapter 5
The plague continues to spread, and the people of England are fearful, though still safe for the time being. It is not clear how the plague spreads, but it seems to be an airborne epidemic. By the beginning of summer, there are various disruptions in international trade, but the plague still has not reached Western Europe.
Although the plague itself has not yet entered England, the economic effects, from the cessation of trade to the arrival of large numbers of immigrants, prove to be disastrous. In August, the plague reaches France and Italy, leading all the English people who were in those countries to return home abruptly, a move which causes yet more disruption. Emergency measures are put in place: woods are cut down for the construction of temporary housing, while parks and flower gardens are turned over to the cultivation of food. Adrian, despite his frail health, takes a leading role in coping with the emergency.
When winter comes, the people of England are relieved. The plague has reached the south of France, but the cold seems to purify the air and mitigate the spread of the plague. There were fewer deaths abroad, and many of the recent immigrants to England returned home.
Chapter 6
In 2094, on Alfred’s birthday, Lionel returns to Windsor from London for the celebrations. As he watches the party, he suddenly thinks that all the young people who are now enjoying themselves will soon be dead. He then feels that he is going insane and suddenly faints. As soon as he recovers, he sees Ryland, the current lord protector and leader of the popular movement in parliament, approaching. He is obviously in a state of panic, and in answer to all the questions they put to him, his answer is “the plague.” He says that the whole world is infected with the contagion, of which one of his own servants has just died.
Ryland renounces the protectorship, and Adrian agrees to become the new lord protector. He prevails upon Ryland to return to London and stay in office for a few weeks so that his sudden departure will not cause widespread panic among the people. Adrian does all he can to disguise the extent to which the...
(This entire section contains 747 words.)
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plague has taken hold of the capital. Shops are kept open, and there is a general appearance of normality, even as the death toll increases. When he sees Adrian himself, Lionel is struck by the fact that his health seems much improved and that he is animated by the opportunity to work for the public good. He says that Ryland will resign as lord protector before the end of the month. In the meantime, Adrian intends to become deputy protector and asks Lionel to nominate him.
When the matter of who is to be deputy protector is debated in parliament, Lionel suddenly decides to stand for the office himself in order to protect Adrian. However, Adrian discovers his intention and comes to parliament to put forward his own claim. He is duly elected to the post and tells Lionel that he believes it is his destiny to save England from danger.