The Countess of Cosgrove walks beside her husband, Sir William Cosgrove, who is in a wheelchair. They are accompanied by their young son, Lord Brookside, and two servants.

RODERICK (V.O.)

In evoking the recollections of these days, I have nothing but pleasure. I would if I could say as much of a lady who will henceforth play a considerable part in the drama of my life -- I mean the Countess of Cosgrove, whose fatal acquaintance I made at Spa, very soon after the tragic events which caused me to quit Germany.

Closer shot of the Countess.

RODERICK (V.O.)

Victoria, Countess of Cosgrove. A Countess and a Viscountess in her own right.

Closer shot of Sir William Cosgrove.

RODERICK (V.O.)

She was the wife of her cousin, the Right Honorable Sir William Reginald Cosgrove, Knight of the Bath, and Minister to George II and George III of several of the smaller courts of Europe.

Closer shot of young Lord Brookside, walking behind them in the care of his governor.

RODERICK (V.O.)

She was the mother to Viscount Brookside -- a melancholy, deserted, little boy, about whom his father was more than indifferent, and whom his mother never saw.