This deals with the leading citizen of Eden Frank, Chair of his company and a United Nations delegate who is involved in transactions international causing him to have prolonged absences from his home and family. This leads to betrayal by his beautiful wife Louise who has an affair with Victor an employee of the company. Her actions cause Frank to lose control of the company and a rejection of him by the directors leading to tragic circumstances. Throughout there is the simmering prospect of war which counterpoints the everyday jealousies and differences in the tight knit community of Eden with all its political and social differences. Victor rises as Frank's successor to a successful business.