H'ry to Wm, April 10, 1903. Age: 59

H'ry sounds the first note that will become The American Scene:

"I should wish to write a book of 'impressions' (for much money) & to that end get quite away from Boston & New York -- really see the country at large.  On the other hand I don't see myself prowling alone in western cities & hotels, or finding my way about by myself, & it is al darksome and tangled."

H'ry's plan is essentially identical to Merton Densher's plan in The Wings of the Dove.

Linus Roache as Merton Densher