The Daltons; Or, Three Roads In Life. Volume I (of II)

A family saga follows several members of one household as they separate onto divergent paths of social amusements, romantic entanglements, and military service, observed through episodes at continental watering-places, domestic conversations, and travel. The narrative mixes comic sketches of manners, intimate family debates, and personal crises prompted by money and honor, presenting character portraits and spirited incidents. The pacing is episodic, with interludes of revelry and introspection that lead toward a series of scenes connected to a military campaign in Italy, which brings together consequences of earlier choices.