"The Son of His Father; vol. 1/3" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young boy named John Sandford, who is raised in a rather ambiguous environment where his father is largely absent from his life. The initial chapters explore John's childhood memories, filled with a sense of mystery and confusion due to the adults around him who seem to be hiding secrets, particularly about his father's fate. At the start of the novel, the narrative delves into John's early experiences, as he recalls phrases such as "Don't say anything before the boy," which hint at important yet undisclosed matters in his family's life. As the story unfolds, John grapples with the complexities of growing up amidst silent tensions and emotional turmoil, including family dynamics involving his mother and grandparents. The opening portion poignantly captures John's reflections and emotional struggles as he navigates his formative years, setting the stage for his development and the exploration of his identity as he learns more about his father's disappearance and the implications it has for him as he matures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)