Digby has suffered severe injuries to his hands in the fire that has taken his lover’s life. Celeste did not survive the flames, and Digby’s attempts to remove the sari that was burning over her body have compromised his career as a surgeon. Digby begs his servant to take him out of the hospital; he can no longer stay in Madras, where his lover has died and his wounds have festered. He seeks solace in his friend, Lena Mylin, and she and her husband introduce him to Cromwell, who will assist him. Digby stays in their guest house.

Digby languishes in the mountains, though he attempts to repair his own hands with skin grafts. Lena finally intervenes, telling Digby that she knows of a surgeon who specializes in repairing hands.

Rune is rushed to the scene. He has been spending time in the village, where Chandy’s wife has died of typhoid; Chandy’s young daughter, Elsie, considers Rune a member of the family. Rune examines Digby’s hands and tries to provide some hope for the younger man’s future. Rune’s work with leprosy patients has provided him with some expertise in repairing damaged hands. He is experiencing his own health issues—his heart is growing weak—but he is still invested in his work with both the lepers and with a potential protégé.