Don José arrives at a small, desolate train station, where he is greeted by Tío Licurgo, who will take him to Orbajosa. As they journey through the harsh landscape, characterized by poverty and desolation, Don José engages in conversation with Licurgo, expressing his discontent with the region's bleakness. The discourse touches on familial connections, as Don José learns about his relatives and the expectations surrounding his visit, particularly regarding a potential match with his cousin Rosario. The opening sets the stage for examining the tensions that arise when modern ideals confront entrenched traditional values, hinting at the larger conflicts that will unfold as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)