Chapter 10: May 1899 Summary

Once again, in Venice, after a five-year absence, Henry finds himself trying to avoid the street where Constance Fenimore Woolson committed suicide. At the same time, he feels Constance's presence beckoning him to that very scene. Henry resists her, though, and backtracks to his hotel. The ordeal upsets him, and Henry leaves Venice for Rome. While sightseeing in Rome, Henry encounters a very intense young man, who does not speak, but who leaves an impression on the author with the fierceness of his gaze. Henry feels uneasy in the man's presence, and avoids him on the tour.

On another evening, that man appears as a dinner guest of Henry's hosts and is introduce as the sculptor Hendrik Andersen. Andersen is again quiet but otherwise appears friendlier. At the dinner, Henry gives a speech about the profound affect Rome has on American...