In which a dreary May morning of relentless rain diverts Valancy Stirling from the annual family picnic, leaving her to dwell in the solitude of her painfully familiar and unlovely room, while her thoughts linger on the stifling expectations and scorn of her relatives. Despite feeling crushed by years of loneliness and the shadow of heart trouble, Valancy clings to secret daydreams of a radiant Blue Castle and contemplates a quiet visit to the gruff Dr. Trent, hoping to escape the vigilant eyes and scolding voices of the Stirling clan.