Chapter 6: February 1897 Summary

Henry's hand deteriorates. At the suggestion of his brother William, Henry hires a stenographer to write his correspondence and, eventually, his fiction. The man he employs is a Scot named William MacAlpine, whose virtues include efficiency and not making comment about the material he is asked to type. Although Henry initially resists the transition, he becomes accustomed to the new method of work and welcomes the Scot as a regular sight in his home. Since transporting both the typewriter and the typist would be difficult, though, Henry resigned himself to working primarily at his residence rather than traveling around Europe to write. However, Henry would like to move away from London, and Rye is a quick favorite. Henry converses with the local citizens to let them know he'd like to find a home, and indicates where they can reach him if...