The opening of the novel sets the stage with a detailed introduction and a cast of characters, where D. Rodrigo arrives in Jerusa, a place filled with memories of his youth. The narrative begins with an exchange between Gregoria and Venancio, two local inhabitants, discussing the upcoming visit of the Count and the complications arising from his estranged relationship with his daughter-in-law, Doña Lucrecia, who is equally concerned for her daughters. As the story unfolds, the tension builds around familial conflicts and societal expectations, leading to D. Rodrigo's touching reunion with his granddaughters, who both adore him while also reflecting on the past that has shaped their present. The interactions highlight class distinctions and the shifting values within the society of the time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)