Chapters 12-14 Summary

William thinks back to his first years in London as a medical student at St. Luke's Hospital. He strolls over to his first apartment on Vincent Square to see his first landlady, Mrs. Hudson, a bustling, lively storyteller now widowed, slowing down, but unwilling to retire as her son George and maid Hester urge. William is allowed to see his old room, done up in a sports motif quite unlike his artistic decor. William thinks about the variety of occupants since he reads literature in this armchair. Hudson laughs at all the things that she has seen and heard.

While living at Vincent Square, William's set schedule includes working all day at the hospital and reading seriously to improve his mind. Before bedtime, he writes novels and plays. One day, he takes a walk on the bustling Vauxhall Bridge Road and...