Chapters 74 through 82 Summary

Henry travels to Illinois to perform a reading. He stays with another writer, William Keesing. Henry is impressed by Keesing's literary output and his accomplishments. Keesing, however, is a drug addict and Cecelia, his wife, sickened by his constant drug use, has divorced him. Even so, they are on good terms and occasionally spend the night together. Henry finds Cecelia solid, sturdy, and sexually attractive. The reading is subdued but completed. In the morning, Henry notes that Keesing is ill. The next evening Henry gives another reading, which is not well received. The next morning Keesing is again ill.

Henry returns to Los Angeles and about two weeks later receives a late-night telephone call from Cecelia—she tells him that Keesing has died. Over the next few days, Henry telephones Cecelia to inquire after her emotional state. About a month...