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While the Auto Waits
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About the author
O. Henry
2,913 books1,871 followersSuch volumes as
Cabbages and Kings
(1904) and
The Four Million
(1906) collect short stories, noted for their often surprising endings, of American writer William Sydney Porter, who used the pen name O. Henry.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 30, 2013
A fun twist at the end. "In a pleasant voice, he risked an inconsequent remark upon the weather - that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world's unhappiness..."
July 15, 2023
O. Henry's "While the Auto Waits" is a short romantic story which has irony and humor attached. The question is will they meet in the park again?
Story in short - A veiled lady is approached in the park by a so called cashier who has noticed her there yesterday.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12431
PROMPTLY AT THE beginning of twilight, came again to that quiet corner of that quiet, small park the girl in gray. She sat upon a bench and read a book, for there was yet to come a half hour in which print could be accomplished. To repeat: Her dress was gray, and plain enough to mask its impeccancy of style and fit. A large- meshed veil imprisoned her turban
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12435
hat and a face that shone through it with a calm and unconscious beauty. She had come there at the same hour on the day previous, and on the day before that; and there was one who knew it. The young man who knew it hovered near, relying upon burnt sacrifices to the great joss, Luck. His piety was rewarded, for, in turning a page, her book slipped from her fingers and bounded from the bench a full yard away. The young man pounced upon it with instant avidity, returning it to
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12439
its owner with that air that seems to flourish in parks and public places — a compound of gallantry and hope, tempered with respect for the policeman on the beat. In a pleasant voice, he risked an inconsequent remark upon the weather — that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world’s unhappiness — and stood poised for a moment, awaiting his fate. The girl looked him over leisurely; at his ordinary, neat dress and his features distinguished by
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
In actuality the woman works as the cashier and is of the working class, he is a rich man who is off to the clubs after he follows the girl who goes back to work where he was supposed to work. She must have thought it strange when he said he worked where she did and the same job. He seems to have his appetite satisfied in seeing her veil off and knowing about her, so I am thinking he will not be seeing her again?
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12442
nothing particular in the way of expression. “You may sit down, if you like,” she said, in a full, deliberate contralto. “Really, I would like to have you do so. The light is too bad for reading. I would prefer to talk.” The vassal of Luck slid upon the seat by her side with complaisance. “Do you know,” he said, speaking the formula with which park chairmen open their meetings, “that you are quite the stunningest girl I have seen in a long time? I had my eye on you yesterday. Didn’t know
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12447
somebody was bowled over by those pretty lamps of yours, did you, honeysuckle?” “Whoever you are,” said the girl, in icy tones, “you must remember that I am a lady. I will excuse the remark you have just made because the mistake was, doubtless, not an unnatural one — in your circle. I asked you to sit down; if the invitation must constitute me your honeysuckle, consider it withdrawn.” “I earnestly beg your pardon,” pleaded the young ran. His expression of satisfaction had changed to one of penitence and humility. “It was my fault, you know — I mean, there are girls in parks, you know — that is, of course, you don’t know, but—” “Abandon the subject, if you please. Of course I know. Now, tell me about these people passing and crowding, each way, along these paths. Where are they going? Why do they hurry so? Are they happy?” The young man had promptly abandoned his air of coquetry. His cue was now for a waiting part; he
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12454
could not guess the rôle he would be expected to play. “It is interesting to watch them,” he replied, postulating her mood. “It is the wonderful drama of life. Some are going to supper and some to — er — other places. One wonders what their histories are.” “I do not,” said the girl; “I am not so inquisitive. I come here to sit because here, only, can I be near the great, common, throbbing heart of humanity. My part in life is cast where its beats are never felt. Can
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12458
you surmise why I spoke to you, Mr. — ?” “Parkenstacker,” supplied the young man. Then he looked eager and hopeful. “No,” said the girl, holding up a slender finger, and smiling slightly. “You would recognize it immediately. It is impossible to keep one’s name out of print. Or even one’s portrait. This veil and this hat of my maid furnish me with an incog. You should have seen the chauffeur stare at it when he thought I did not see. Candidly, there are five or
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12463
six names that belong in the holy of holies, and mine, by the accident of birth, is one of them. I spoke to you, Mr. Stackenpot—” “Parkenstacker,” corrected the young man, modestly. “ — Mr. Parkenstacker, because I wanted to talk, for once, with a natural man — one unspoiled by the despicable gloss of wealth and supposed social superiority. Oh! you do not know how weary I am of it — money, money, money! And of the men who surround me, dancing like little marionettes all cut by the
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12467
same pattern. I am sick of pleasure, of jewels, of travel, of society, of luxuries of all kinds.” “I always had an idea,” ventured the young man, hesitatingly, “that money must be a pretty good thing.” “A competence is to be desired. But when you have so many millions that — !” She concluded the sentence with a gesture of despair. “It is the monotony of it,” she continued, “that palls. Drives, dinners, theatres, balls, suppers, with the gilding of superfluous wealth over it all. Sometimes the very tinkle
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12471
of the ice in my champagne glass nearly drives me mad.” Mr. Parkenstacker looked ingenuously interested. “I have always liked,” he said, “to read and hear about the ways of wealthy and fashionable folks. I suppose I am a bit of a snob. But I like to have my information accurate. Now, I had formed the opinion that champagne is cooled in the bottle and not by placing ice in the glass.” The girl gave a musical laugh of genuine amusement.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12475
“You should know,” she explained, in an indulgent tone, “that we of the non-useful class depend for our amusement upon departure from precedent. Just now it is a fad to put ice in champagne. The idea was originated by a visiting Prince of Tartary while dining at the Waldorf. It will soon give way to some other whim. Just as at a dinner party this week on Madison Avenue a green kid glove was laid by the plate of each guest to be put on and used while eating olives.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12478
“I see,” admitted the young man, humbly. “These special diversions of the inner circle do not become familiar to the common public.” “Sometimes,” continued the girl, acknowledging his confession of error by a slight bow, “I have thought that if I ever should love a man it would be one of lowly station. One who is a worker and not a drone. But, doubtless, the claims of caste and wealth will prove stronger than my inclination. Just now I am besieged by two. One is a Grand
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12482
Duke of a German principality. I think he has, or has had, a wife, somewhere, driven mad by his intemperance and cruelty. The other is an English Marquis, so cold and mercenary that I even prefer the diabolism of the Duke. What is it that impels me to tell you these things, Mr. Packenstacker? “Parkenstacker,” breathed the young man. “Indeed, you cannot know how much I appreciate your confidences.” The girl contemplated him with the calm, impersonal regard that
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12486
befitted the difference in their stations. “What is your line of business, Mr. Parkenstacker?” she asked. “A very humble one. But I hope to rise in the world. Were you really in earnest when you said that you could love a man of lowly position?” “Indeed I was. But I said ‘might.’ There is the Grand Duke and the Marquis, you know. Yes; no calling could be too humble were the man what I would wish him to be.” “I work,” declared Mr. Parkenstacker, “in a restaurant.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12491
The girl shrank slightly. “Not as a waiter?” she said, a little imploringly. “Labor is noble, but personal attendance, you know — valets and—” “I am not a waiter. I am cashier in” — on the street they faced that bounded the opposite side of the park was the brilliant electric sign “RESTAURANT”— “I am cashier in that restaurant you see there.” The girl consulted a tiny watch set in a bracelet of rich design upon her left wrist, and rose, hurriedly. She thrust her book into a glittering
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12495
reticule suspended from her waist, for which, however, the book was too large. “Why are you not at work?” she asked. “I am on the night turn,” said the young man; “it is yet an hour before my period begins. May I not hope to see you again?” “I do not know. Perhaps — but the whim may not seize me again. I must go quickly now. There is a dinner, and a box at the play — and, oh! the same old round. Perhaps you noticed an automobile at the upper
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12499
corner of the park as you came. One with a white body.” “And red running gear?” asked the young man, knitting his brows reflectively. “Yes. I always come in that. Pierre waits for me there. He supposes me to be shopping in the department store across the square. Conceive of the bondage of the life wherein we must deceive even our chauffeurs. Good-night.” “But it is dark now,” said Mr. Parkenstacker, “and the park is full of rude men. May I not walk—”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12504
“If you have the slightest regard for my wishes,” said the girl, firmly, “you will remain at this bench for ten minutes after I have left. I do not mean to accuse you, but you are probably aware that autos generally bear the monogram of their owner. Again, good-night.” Swift and stately she moved away through the dusk. The young man watched her graceful form as she reached the pavement at the park’s edge, and turned up along it toward the corner where stood the automobile. Then he treacherously
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12508
and unhesitatingly began to dodge and skim among the park trees and shrubbery in a course parallel to her route, keeping her well in sight. When she reached the corner she turned her head to glance at the motor car, and then passed it, continuing on across the street. Sheltered behind a convenient standing cab, the young man followed her movements closely with his eyes. Passing down the sidewalk of the street opposite the park, she entered the restaurant with the blazing sign. The place was one of those
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12511
frankly glaring establishments, all white paint and glass, where one may dine cheaply and conspicuously. The girl penetrated the restaurant to some retreat at its rear, whence she quickly emerged without her hat and veil. The cashier’s desk was well to the front. A red-haired girl an the stool climbed down, glancing pointedly at the clock as she did so. The girl in gray mounted in her place. The young man thrust his hands into his pockets and walked slowly back along the sidewalk. At the corner his foot struck a small, paper-covered volume lying there, sending it sliding to the edge of the turf. By its picturesque cover he recognized it as the book the girl had been reading. He picked it up carelessly, and saw that its title was “New Arabian Nights,” the author being of the name of Stevenson. He dropped it again upon the grass, and lounged, irresolute, for a minute. Then he stepped into the automobile, reclined upon the cushions, and said two words to the chauffeur: “Club, Henri.”
Story in short - A veiled lady is approached in the park by a so called cashier who has noticed her there yesterday.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12431
PROMPTLY AT THE beginning of twilight, came again to that quiet corner of that quiet, small park the girl in gray. She sat upon a bench and read a book, for there was yet to come a half hour in which print could be accomplished. To repeat: Her dress was gray, and plain enough to mask its impeccancy of style and fit. A large- meshed veil imprisoned her turban
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12435
hat and a face that shone through it with a calm and unconscious beauty. She had come there at the same hour on the day previous, and on the day before that; and there was one who knew it. The young man who knew it hovered near, relying upon burnt sacrifices to the great joss, Luck. His piety was rewarded, for, in turning a page, her book slipped from her fingers and bounded from the bench a full yard away. The young man pounced upon it with instant avidity, returning it to
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12439
its owner with that air that seems to flourish in parks and public places — a compound of gallantry and hope, tempered with respect for the policeman on the beat. In a pleasant voice, he risked an inconsequent remark upon the weather — that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world’s unhappiness — and stood poised for a moment, awaiting his fate. The girl looked him over leisurely; at his ordinary, neat dress and his features distinguished by
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
In actuality the woman works as the cashier and is of the working class, he is a rich man who is off to the clubs after he follows the girl who goes back to work where he was supposed to work. She must have thought it strange when he said he worked where she did and the same job. He seems to have his appetite satisfied in seeing her veil off and knowing about her, so I am thinking he will not be seeing her again?
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12442
nothing particular in the way of expression. “You may sit down, if you like,” she said, in a full, deliberate contralto. “Really, I would like to have you do so. The light is too bad for reading. I would prefer to talk.” The vassal of Luck slid upon the seat by her side with complaisance. “Do you know,” he said, speaking the formula with which park chairmen open their meetings, “that you are quite the stunningest girl I have seen in a long time? I had my eye on you yesterday. Didn’t know
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12447
somebody was bowled over by those pretty lamps of yours, did you, honeysuckle?” “Whoever you are,” said the girl, in icy tones, “you must remember that I am a lady. I will excuse the remark you have just made because the mistake was, doubtless, not an unnatural one — in your circle. I asked you to sit down; if the invitation must constitute me your honeysuckle, consider it withdrawn.” “I earnestly beg your pardon,” pleaded the young ran. His expression of satisfaction had changed to one of penitence and humility. “It was my fault, you know — I mean, there are girls in parks, you know — that is, of course, you don’t know, but—” “Abandon the subject, if you please. Of course I know. Now, tell me about these people passing and crowding, each way, along these paths. Where are they going? Why do they hurry so? Are they happy?” The young man had promptly abandoned his air of coquetry. His cue was now for a waiting part; he
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12454
could not guess the rôle he would be expected to play. “It is interesting to watch them,” he replied, postulating her mood. “It is the wonderful drama of life. Some are going to supper and some to — er — other places. One wonders what their histories are.” “I do not,” said the girl; “I am not so inquisitive. I come here to sit because here, only, can I be near the great, common, throbbing heart of humanity. My part in life is cast where its beats are never felt. Can
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12458
you surmise why I spoke to you, Mr. — ?” “Parkenstacker,” supplied the young man. Then he looked eager and hopeful. “No,” said the girl, holding up a slender finger, and smiling slightly. “You would recognize it immediately. It is impossible to keep one’s name out of print. Or even one’s portrait. This veil and this hat of my maid furnish me with an incog. You should have seen the chauffeur stare at it when he thought I did not see. Candidly, there are five or
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12463
six names that belong in the holy of holies, and mine, by the accident of birth, is one of them. I spoke to you, Mr. Stackenpot—” “Parkenstacker,” corrected the young man, modestly. “ — Mr. Parkenstacker, because I wanted to talk, for once, with a natural man — one unspoiled by the despicable gloss of wealth and supposed social superiority. Oh! you do not know how weary I am of it — money, money, money! And of the men who surround me, dancing like little marionettes all cut by the
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12467
same pattern. I am sick of pleasure, of jewels, of travel, of society, of luxuries of all kinds.” “I always had an idea,” ventured the young man, hesitatingly, “that money must be a pretty good thing.” “A competence is to be desired. But when you have so many millions that — !” She concluded the sentence with a gesture of despair. “It is the monotony of it,” she continued, “that palls. Drives, dinners, theatres, balls, suppers, with the gilding of superfluous wealth over it all. Sometimes the very tinkle
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12471
of the ice in my champagne glass nearly drives me mad.” Mr. Parkenstacker looked ingenuously interested. “I have always liked,” he said, “to read and hear about the ways of wealthy and fashionable folks. I suppose I am a bit of a snob. But I like to have my information accurate. Now, I had formed the opinion that champagne is cooled in the bottle and not by placing ice in the glass.” The girl gave a musical laugh of genuine amusement.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12475
“You should know,” she explained, in an indulgent tone, “that we of the non-useful class depend for our amusement upon departure from precedent. Just now it is a fad to put ice in champagne. The idea was originated by a visiting Prince of Tartary while dining at the Waldorf. It will soon give way to some other whim. Just as at a dinner party this week on Madison Avenue a green kid glove was laid by the plate of each guest to be put on and used while eating olives.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12478
“I see,” admitted the young man, humbly. “These special diversions of the inner circle do not become familiar to the common public.” “Sometimes,” continued the girl, acknowledging his confession of error by a slight bow, “I have thought that if I ever should love a man it would be one of lowly station. One who is a worker and not a drone. But, doubtless, the claims of caste and wealth will prove stronger than my inclination. Just now I am besieged by two. One is a Grand
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12482
Duke of a German principality. I think he has, or has had, a wife, somewhere, driven mad by his intemperance and cruelty. The other is an English Marquis, so cold and mercenary that I even prefer the diabolism of the Duke. What is it that impels me to tell you these things, Mr. Packenstacker? “Parkenstacker,” breathed the young man. “Indeed, you cannot know how much I appreciate your confidences.” The girl contemplated him with the calm, impersonal regard that
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12486
befitted the difference in their stations. “What is your line of business, Mr. Parkenstacker?” she asked. “A very humble one. But I hope to rise in the world. Were you really in earnest when you said that you could love a man of lowly position?” “Indeed I was. But I said ‘might.’ There is the Grand Duke and the Marquis, you know. Yes; no calling could be too humble were the man what I would wish him to be.” “I work,” declared Mr. Parkenstacker, “in a restaurant.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12491
The girl shrank slightly. “Not as a waiter?” she said, a little imploringly. “Labor is noble, but personal attendance, you know — valets and—” “I am not a waiter. I am cashier in” — on the street they faced that bounded the opposite side of the park was the brilliant electric sign “RESTAURANT”— “I am cashier in that restaurant you see there.” The girl consulted a tiny watch set in a bracelet of rich design upon her left wrist, and rose, hurriedly. She thrust her book into a glittering
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12495
reticule suspended from her waist, for which, however, the book was too large. “Why are you not at work?” she asked. “I am on the night turn,” said the young man; “it is yet an hour before my period begins. May I not hope to see you again?” “I do not know. Perhaps — but the whim may not seize me again. I must go quickly now. There is a dinner, and a box at the play — and, oh! the same old round. Perhaps you noticed an automobile at the upper
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12499
corner of the park as you came. One with a white body.” “And red running gear?” asked the young man, knitting his brows reflectively. “Yes. I always come in that. Pierre waits for me there. He supposes me to be shopping in the department store across the square. Conceive of the bondage of the life wherein we must deceive even our chauffeurs. Good-night.” “But it is dark now,” said Mr. Parkenstacker, “and the park is full of rude men. May I not walk—”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12504
“If you have the slightest regard for my wishes,” said the girl, firmly, “you will remain at this bench for ten minutes after I have left. I do not mean to accuse you, but you are probably aware that autos generally bear the monogram of their owner. Again, good-night.” Swift and stately she moved away through the dusk. The young man watched her graceful form as she reached the pavement at the park’s edge, and turned up along it toward the corner where stood the automobile. Then he treacherously
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12508
and unhesitatingly began to dodge and skim among the park trees and shrubbery in a course parallel to her route, keeping her well in sight. When she reached the corner she turned her head to glance at the motor car, and then passed it, continuing on across the street. Sheltered behind a convenient standing cab, the young man followed her movements closely with his eyes. Passing down the sidewalk of the street opposite the park, she entered the restaurant with the blazing sign. The place was one of those
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 12511
frankly glaring establishments, all white paint and glass, where one may dine cheaply and conspicuously. The girl penetrated the restaurant to some retreat at its rear, whence she quickly emerged without her hat and veil. The cashier’s desk was well to the front. A red-haired girl an the stool climbed down, glancing pointedly at the clock as she did so. The girl in gray mounted in her place. The young man thrust his hands into his pockets and walked slowly back along the sidewalk. At the corner his foot struck a small, paper-covered volume lying there, sending it sliding to the edge of the turf. By its picturesque cover he recognized it as the book the girl had been reading. He picked it up carelessly, and saw that its title was “New Arabian Nights,” the author being of the name of Stevenson. He dropped it again upon the grass, and lounged, irresolute, for a minute. Then he stepped into the automobile, reclined upon the cushions, and said two words to the chauffeur: “Club, Henri.”
July 1, 2016
I LOVED this short story. Reminded me of these lines: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive."
Also, these lines stood out: "The weather - that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world's unhappiness." "These special diversions of the inner circle do not become familiar to the common public."
Also, these lines stood out: "The weather - that introductory topic responsible for so much of the world's unhappiness." "These special diversions of the inner circle do not become familiar to the common public."
March 1, 2022
Another plot-twist ending, although with less clarity in meaning, nonetheless captivating.
April 2, 2023
vaya merdo
January 7, 2019
Review: This was a short and whimsical play about a young man and woman who lie about their identities in an attempt to impress one another. I enjoyed it! The plot twist, in the end, made me laugh. It was great. This play is somewhat similar to the “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.
July 10, 2024
O. Henry is known for his twists, but what I liked about this one is that there are hints to the twist throughout this story. It's worth a read- and a reread. Here, a young woman imperiously tells a young, modest-looking man about the boredom she feels with her wealth.
June 11, 2020
This is a masterful story about mistaken identity in a conversation between a man and a woman. The identity claimed by both individuals in their talk is exposed after they part ways.
February 6, 2023
audiobook
September 1, 2024
Loved the plot twist. Kinda sad they aren't able to live the lives they wish for, tho
February 17, 2025
A very typical O. Henry short story. it's good but you'll see the twist a mile away.
November 9, 2025
with Henry there's always a twist, wether you see it coming or not the twist is always delightful
August 12, 2019
at first i wasn't vibing bc the girl was acting all posh but then the twist was fun. good play/short story
read for eng1102
read for eng1102
September 23, 2016
It's a very funny short story with a good lesson. I like it very much.
September 22, 2016
"Avtomobil gözləyərkən" hekayəsi.Daha bir plot twist.
August 11, 2022
Okay, not hard to see the ending.
October 25, 2015
Happy I guess
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews