Durilgai is largely untouched by the war because the area is dominated by nature rather than man. Ray becomes restless, wondering if he will start work when Stan returns; however, he doesn't know what field to enter. Amy routinely goes to the road to talk to passersby. Stan eventually returns, but both he and Amy downplay their reunion. The children are awkward around their father, though Ray is happy to receive the German helmet he requested.

The Armstrongs rarely return, as the rebuilding of Glastonbury was never completed. Stan must go to the Glastonbury property one day to find an escaped duck, and he reminisces on the night of the fire. Amy begins to doubt the Parkers' happiness and suggests they go for a picnic one day. Stan agrees, but the idea fades and seems silly to Amy.

Stan buys his first car and drives to places where he can sit and think. One day, he takes Ray with him, though his son resists. Ray thinks about escaping this mundane rural life, fantasizing about city life. Though Stan intends to teach Ray profound life lessons, nothing is accomplished.

The Parkers hire a young Greek man named Con. Thelma writes in her diary that she is in love with Con, and Ray threatens to expose her, causing a long-lasting rift between the siblings. Ray and Con wrestle in Con's shack, and Con shows Ray his prized possessions, which Ray immediately covets. Stan thinks Con should go out more, so Con visits the city and makes friends.

One day Con announces that he will marry a widow with several children. Ray walks with Con partway to the station but cannot muster more than a cold, awkward goodbye. After Con has left, Ray goes into the bush and uses the knife he stole from Con to cut up pictures of Con's mother. Ray sleeps in the bush, exhausted by his emotional response to Con's departure.

Ray apprentices as a saddler with Mr. Jarman, though he is not keen on the trade. He lives in Bangalay during the week with a widow named Mrs. Northcott, who thinks of him like a son. Thelma has grown secretive and spends most of her time tending to her appearance to keep herself neat and clean. She will soon begin taking classes at the College for Business Girls in Sydney.

Though Ray had wanted to visit his family one Sunday, he feels restless and sad as the day wears on. Amy tries to ask Ray whether he is happy, but the conversation goes nowhere, and Thelma suggests they have tea to alleviate the tension.

Ray visits Con's former shack, reminiscing on their bond. However, he comes across Stan, and they struggle to connect. Stan admits that he shouldn't have put Ray in the apprenticeship, as Ray expresses his hope that "something" will happen. Soon after, Ray leaves Bangalay for Brisbane, where he works on a steamer. Amy is disappointed to hear this news and then says a sentimental goodbye to Thelma.

In Sydney, Thelma lives with Horrie and Lilian Bourke, a cousin of Stan's; the couple never had children and enjoy Thelma's company. Through her social life, attention to her appearance, and success in school, Thelma hopes to build a comfortable life for herself.

One day she talks to a young man who works on the Bourkes' property, Curly, who knows her brother. Ray has apparently returned to the South and plans to visit soon. The Bourkes are charmed by Ray, though Thelma sees through him. When Ray and Thelma are alone, he confesses cruelly tricking Bub Quigley...