The crimson flower and stone are reborn in the human world to meet one another and live out their fates. And then the tale shifts, for long periods of time, to something like a 19th century English novel of manners. Rounds of social visiting, tea, dinner parties, plays.

Lavish descriptions of fashion and furnishings. Etiquette. Poor relations knocking at the door. Then BAM! An offhand mention of kidnapping, murder, judicial corruption!