Hearts And Hands by O Henry(Pre-Intermediate)

Pre-Intermediate

story

 Once upon a time, at a very busy train station in Denver, people hurried onto a train called the B. & M. Express that was going east. Inside one of the train cars sat a fancy young lady. She looked very elegant, just like someone who had traveled a lot.

There were two new guys on the train, too. One looked brave and handsome, while the other seemed sad and wore rough clothes. They were connected by shiny handcuffs.

As they walked down the aisle, they sat in the only empty seats, right in front of the elegant young lady. They got her attention. At first, she didn't seem very interested, but then she smiled warmly and reached out her hand.

"Well, Mr. Easton," she said, sounding very calm, "I guess I'll have to start the conversation. Don't you recognize old friends when you meet them in the West?"

The younger man seemed surprised by her voice, but he smiled and shook her hand.

"It's Miss Fairchild," he said kindly. "Sorry about my other hand; it's stuck right now."

He pointed to his right hand, which was tied to his friend's left hand with a shiny "bracelet." The young lady's smile quickly turned into a frown. Just as Mr. Easton was about to talk, his friend interrupted, watching the lady closely.

"Sorry to interrupt, miss, but it seems you know our marshal here," he said. "Could you say something nice about me when we get to where we're going? The marshal is taking me to prison. I'm in trouble for making fake money."

"Oh!" said the young lady, understanding the situation. "So you're a marshal!"

"My dear Miss Fairchild," Mr. Easton said calmly, "I had to do this because of some problems. Money disappears sometimes, and keeping up appearances in Washington costs a lot. I saw an opportunity out West, even though it's not as fancy as being an ambassador."

"The ambassador doesn't visit anymore," the young lady said warmly. "Now you're one of those brave Western people, facing danger and adventure. It's different from Washington. Your old friends miss you."

The young lady was fascinated by the shiny handcuffs.

"Don't worry about them," the other man said. "Marshals always keep prisoners tied up to stop them from running away. Mr. Easton knows what he's doing."

"Will we see you in Washington again soon?" the young lady asked.

"Not for a while, I think," Mr. Easton replied. "I have to do serious stuff now."

Miss Fairchild looked out the window, thinking about the faraway landscape. "I love the West now. It's freer than the East. We're not looking for money; we want to understand and have adventures."

Mr. Easton stood up, the handcuffs making a sound. “I have to go now, Miss Fairchild. Duty calls.”

"It's sad you're not going east," Miss Fairchild said, sounding disappointed. "But you have to go to Leavenworth, right?"

"Yes," said Mr. Easton with a nod, "I have to go to Leavenworth."

As they walked away, two passengers nearby whispered to each other about what they had heard.

"He seems like a good marshal. Some Western people are nice," one said.

"He's pretty young for that job, isn't he?" the other replied.

Suddenly, they both realized something and looked surprised.

"Young! Why—Oh! Didn’t you get it? Did you ever see a marshal handcuff a prisoner to his right hand?" they whispered. The truth was becoming clear to everyone who listened. Mr. Easton, who seemed like a marshal, was actually the prisoner, and the sad-looking man was the real marshal. This changed everything, showing how things aren't always as they seem.

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Words and Idioms

Study them with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/907807319/hearts-and-hands-by-o-henry-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1jqt

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Elegant - (Adjective) Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.

Fancy - (Adjective) Elaborate in structure or decoration; decorative or intricate.

Newcomers - (Noun) People who have recently arrived in a place or joined a group.

Bold - (Adjective) Showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.

Glum - (Adjective) Looking sad or depressed

Rough - (Adjective) Having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level.

Linked - (Adjective) Connected; joined together.

Gleaming - (Adjective) Shining brightly, especially with reflected light.

Handcuffs - (Noun) A pair of lockable linked metal rings for securing the wrists of a prisoner, typically with a chain or bar between them.

Aisle - (Noun) A passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church or theater, an airplane, or a train.

Empty - (Adjective) Containing nothing; not filled or occupied.

Warmly - (Adverb) In a friendly and enthusiastic manner.

Gloved - (Adjective) Wearing gloves.

Disposed - (Adjective) Inclined or willing.

Indisposed - (Adjective) Slightly unwell.

Hurry onto a train (Phrase) - Quickly board a train, suggesting a sense of urgency or haste.

Connected by gleaming handcuffs (Phrase) - Metaphorically linked together by shiny handcuffs, indicating that the individuals are physically restrained or under arrest.

Didn’t you get it? (Phrase) - Expressing surprise or disbelief that someone did not understand something that seems obvious.

Things aren't always as they seem (Phrase) - Highlighting that appearances can be deceptive, and reality may differ from initial impressions.

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Questions

1. What was the setting of the story?

A) A busy airport

B) A crowded train station

C) A deserted beach

D) A bustling city square

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2. How were the two men connected?

A) By friendship

B) By handcuffs

C) By family ties

D) By a common goal

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3. Why did Mr. Easton apologize for his hand?

A) It was injured

B) It was dirty

C) It was tied to his friend's hand

D) It was missing

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4. What did the young lady think Mr. Easton was before he revealed the truth?

A) A prisoner

B) A marshal

C) A businessman

D) A traveler

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5. What do the shiny handcuffs symbolize in the story?

A) Friendship

B) Freedom

C) Imprisonment

D) Adventure

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6. What does Miss Fairchild's love for the West represent in the story?

A) A longing for the East

B) A desire for adventure

C) A rejection of the West

D) A preference for city life

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Short Writing Topics:

1. Write a paragraph imagining what adventures Mr. Easton might have in the West after the story ends.

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2. Describe a time when you met someone new in an unexpected place, like Miss Fairchild and Mr. Easton meeting on the train.

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3. Reflect on a time when something turned out to be different from what you initially thought, like the passengers realizing Mr. Easton's true identity.

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Answer Keys

1. B) A crowded train station
2. B) By handcuffs
3. C) It was tied to his friend's hand
4. B) A marshal
5. C) Imprisonment
6. B) A desire for adventure

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Sample Short Writing:

1. Mr. Easton's journey into the Wild West holds promise of adventure and self-discovery. As he navigates through vast deserts and encounters enigmatic outlaws, he may find redemption in unexpected places. Perhaps, amid dusty towns and rugged landscapes, he'll uncover the true essence of courage and honor. Each encounter could shape his character, leading him closer to understanding his own path and purpose in this untamed frontier. Through trials and triumphs, Mr. Easton's odyssey promises to be a captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the Wild West.
2. A whimsical encounter at a lively carnival introduced me to a balloon artist with stories as colorful as his creations. Amidst the vibrant chaos of swirling rides and joyful laughter, he wove tales of distant lands and fantastical adventures. With each twist of his skilled fingers, he conjured images of castles in the clouds and dragons dancing in the sunset. His stories ignited my imagination, transporting me to realms where magic thrived and dreams took flight. In that fleeting moment, amidst the carnival's bustling energy, I discovered the boundless wonder that lies within the realms of imagination and storytelling.
3. Mistaking a prickly cactus for a menacing foe, I approached cautiously, only to discover delicate blooms nestled among its thorns. This unexpected encounter taught me a valuable lesson about the beauty that often lies hidden beneath the surface. Just as the cactus revealed its hidden splendor, so too can people surprise us with their depth and complexity. It reminded me to look beyond outward appearances and appreciate the unique beauty inherent in all living things. This simple yet profound lesson continues to resonate, serving as a reminder to seek beauty and wonder in the world around me.

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