Chapter One: opens with "Flight into Egypt," in which Wilhelm and Felix encounter a family in the course of their travels; the father of the family identifies himself as "Saint Joseph." Felix befriends the boys of the family, and returns with them to their residence. Wilhelm, declining their invitation to come as well, returns to his lodge at the mountaintop and writes to Natalie.
Chapter One: begins with a narrative about Wilhelm and Felix encountering a family during their travels; the father of the family is referred to as "Saint Joseph." Felix forms friendships with the boys from the family, and returns with them. Wilhelm declines an invitation to join them and instead goes back to his lodge on the mountain top and writes to Natalie.