Frank's relationship with his father, Paddy, has never been peaceful. The two vie for Fee's attention. Frank resents the many pregnancies Paddy has caused her to endure. Fee, now in her forties, reveals she is again pregnant; the two men quarrel violently, and Paddy tells Frank he is not his biological son. It is revealed that Fee, the daughter of a prominent New Zealand citizen, had an affair with a married politician. The result, Frank, was already eighteen months old when Fee married Paddy. Because he resembles her lost love, Frank has always been Fee's favourite child. After the argument with Paddy, Frank runs away to become a prizefighter. Fee gives birth to twin boys, James and Patrick (Jims and Patsy), but shows little interest in them. Shortly afterward, Meggie's beloved little brother, Hal, dies.