Bill Roach is a lonely young boy who is starting his first term at a private boys’ school in England in 1973. He has no friends his own age and blames himself for his wealthy parents’ divorce. One rainy day, he sees Jim Prideaux drive on to the school grounds, towing a caravan. Roach runs over and watches Prideaux set up the caravan. Prideaux, who has a mysterious injury, is the new substitute French teacher. He and Roach become friends, as both are loners who like to be apart from others. Prideaux helps to build up Roach’s confidence, telling the youngster that he is a good “watcher” (8). The other pupils appreciate Prideaux’s energetic, outdoorsy approach to life. Mr. Thursgood, the headmaster of the school, is less appreciative. He worries about the missing details in Prideaux’s work history. The teaching agency assures Thursgood that Prideaux will only stay for one term, but he appears again in the fall, much to Roach’s delight. 

After a difficult day, George Smiley returns to his house in London. He lives alone, having separated from Ann, his wife, who has spent a large amount of his pension.