Hearts And Hands by O Henry(Intermediate)

Intermediate

story

 Amidst the bustling activity at Denver station, passengers swarmed into the coaches of the eastbound B. & M. Express. In one coach, a striking young woman sat regally, her attire exuding refinement and her surroundings exuding opulence befitting a seasoned traveler.

Among the newcomers were two men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner; the other a ruffled, glum-faced person, heavily built and roughly dressed. The two were bound together by gleaming handcuffs.

 

 As they made their way down the aisle, the only available seat faced the elegant young woman. Seating themselves before her, the linked pair drew her attention. At first, her gaze flickered disinterestedly over them, but then a warm smile graced her features, and a delicate blush adorned her cheeks as she extended a gloved hand.

"Well, Mr. Easton," she began, her voice mellifluous and poised, "if you'll permit me to initiate the conversation, it seems I must. Do you never recognize old acquaintances when you encounter them in the West?"

The younger man, startled by her voice, momentarily struggled with embarrassment before regaining his composure and clasping her hand with a smile.

"It's Miss Fairchild," he acknowledged warmly. "Please excuse my other hand; it's currently indisposed."

He gestured lightly to his right hand, restrained by a shining "bracelet" tethered to his companion's left. The joy in the young woman's eyes quickly turned to bewilderment and dismay. As Mr. Easton prepared to speak, his companion interjected, observing the young woman's reaction with keen, shrewd eyes.

"Forgive my interruption, miss, but it seems you're acquainted with our marshal here," he remarked. "If you would be so kind as to put in a good word for me when we reach our destination, it would greatly ease my circumstances. The marshal is escorting me to Leavenworth prison. I'm facing seven years for counterfeiting."

"Oh!" exclaimed the young woman, her color returning as she comprehended the situation. "So you're a marshal!"

"My dear Miss Fairchild," Mr. Easton replied calmly, "circumstances led me to this role. Money has a tendency to vanish, and as you know, maintaining appearances in Washington requires substantial funds. I saw an opportunity in the West, albeit a less prestigious one than an ambassadorship."

"The ambassador," the young woman said warmly, "no longer pays visits. And now you've become one of those daring Western figures, facing danger and adventure. It's quite a departure from Washington. You've been missed by the old crowd."

 

 Fascinated, the young woman's gaze returned to the glimmering handcuffs.

"Don't fret about them, miss," the other man reassured her. "Marshals always secure their prisoners to prevent escape. Mr. Easton is well-versed in his duties."

"Will we see you in Washington again soon?" inquired the young woman.

"Not anytime soon, I believe," replied Mr. Easton. 

 “My days of courtly frivolity are behind me.”

Miss Fairchild looked out the window, her thoughts as distant as the fading landscape. “I’ve grown to love the West. The freedom here is unmatched in the East. It’s not wealth we seek, but understanding and adventure.”

Mr. Easton rose, the clinking of the handcuffs a reminder of the path he chose. “Then we must part ways here, dear Miss Fairchild. Duty calls me onward.”

"It’s too bad you are not going East," Miss Fairchild remarked, her voice tinged with disappointment as she adjusted her elegant attire. "But you must go on to Leavenworth, I suppose?"

"Yes," replied Mr. Easton with a slight nod, "I must go on to Leavenworth."

As the two men made their way down the aisle, a pair of nearby passengers who had been eavesdropping on the conversation began to murmur among themselves. The curiosity and confusion that had been building throughout the interaction finally found voice in their whispered exchange.

"That marshal's a good sort of chap. Some of these Western fellows are all right," one passenger mused, watching Mr. Easton's retreating figure.

"Pretty young to hold an office like that, isn’t he?" the other replied, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Suddenly, a realization dawned, and the first speaker’s eyes widened in surprise. "Young! Why—Oh! didn’t you catch on? Say—did you ever know an officer to handcuff a prisoner to his right hand?" The question hung in the air, loaded with implication.

 

 Their revelation rippled through the air as they and other listeners grasped the true dynamics of the situation. Mr. Easton, who had been masquerading as a marshal, was in fact the prisoner, and the glum-faced man, previously perceived as a sullen escort, was the real marshal. The twist in their roles, now clear, shifted the perspective of their earlier interaction, casting Mr. Easton's charming demeanor and the other man's grim appearance in a new light. This twist redefined the narrative, leaving the passengers—and the readers—with a striking example of appearances being deceiving.

Words and Idioms

Study them with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/907792609/the-lumber-room-by-hh-munro-saki-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1jqt

 

Bustling (adjective) - Full of energetic and noisy activity.

Swarm (verb) - To move in large numbers.

Regally (adverb) - In a manner befitting a king or queen; majestically.

Exuding (verb) - Emitting or giving off (a quality or feeling).

Opulence (noun) - Great wealth or luxuriousness.

Presence (noun) - The impressive manner or appearance of a person.

Countenance (noun) - A person's face or facial expression.

Manner (noun) - A person's way of behaving or doing something.

Ruffled (adjective) - Disheveled or untidy in appearance.

Glum-faced (adjective) - Having a gloomy or morose expression.

Tethered (verb) - Tied or fastened with a rope or chain.

Bewilderment (noun) - Confusion or puzzlement.

Dismay (noun) - A sudden loss of courage or resolution.

Acquainted (adjective) - Familiar with or aware of someone or something.

Marshal (noun) - A law enforcement officer.

Prestigious (adjective) - Having high status or influence; esteemed.

Departure (noun) - A deviation or deviation from what is usual or expected.

Frivolity (noun) - Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness.

Demeanor (noun) - Outward behavior or bearing.

Eavesdropping (verb) - Listening secretly to a conversation.

Realization (noun) - The act of becoming fully aware or understanding something.

Masquerading (verb) - Pretending to be someone or something one is not.

Deceiving (verb) - Causing someone to believe something that is not true; misleading.

a seasoned traveler (Adjective phrase) - An experienced traveler.

Clasping her hand (Verb phrase) - Holding her hand tightly.

Her gaze flickered disinterestedly over them (Verb phrase) - Her eyes moved quickly and without interest over them.

A warm smile graced her features (Verb phrase) - A kind smile is on her face elegantly.

His voice was mellifluous and poised (Adjective phrase) - His voice was sweet-sounding and composed.

Momentarily (adverb) - in a brief period 

A delicate blush adorned her cheeks (Verb phrase) - A gentle reddening of the cheeks embellished her face.

Put in a good word for me (Idiomatic expression) - Speak positively about me to someone else.

Maintaining appearances (Gerund phrase) - Keeping up a certain outward image.

Quite a departure from Washington (Adjective phrase) - A significant deviation from the lifestyle or norms of Washington.

Don't fret about them (Idiomatic expression) - Don't worry about them.

Part ways (Phrasal verb) - Separate or go in different directions.

His demeanor cloaked once more (Noun phrase) - His behavior concealed once again.

 

Questions

1. What is the setting of the story?

A) Chicago station

B) Denver station

C) New York station

D) Los Angeles station

 

2. What is Mr. Easton's occupation?

A) Ambassador

B) Marshal

C) Counterfeiter

D) Smoker

 

3. Why does Miss Fairchild initially extend her hand to Mr. Easton?

A) To shake hands

B) To help him up

C) To show off her gloves

D) To greet him

 

4. What is the reason behind Mr. Easton's journey to Leavenworth?

A) To visit family

B) To meet an old friend

C) To escape from danger

D) To face a prison sentence

 

5. What does the handcuff symbolize in the story?

A) Friendship

B) Trust

C) Imprisonment

D) Freedom

 

6. What is the central theme of the story?

A) Betrayal

B) Loyalty

C) Deception

D) Redemption

 

AP-test style writing topics:

 

1. Write an essay analyzing the character development of Mr. Easton throughout the story, focusing on his transformation from a charming figure to a deceiving one.

2. Compose a persuasive letter from Miss Fairchild to the authorities, advocating for leniency towards Mr. Easton's companion, considering the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment.

3. Craft a descriptive narrative recounting the events of the story from the perspective of the glum-faced man, revealing his inner thoughts and motivations as he escorts Mr. Easton to Leavenworth.

Answer Keys

1. B) Denver station
2. B) Marshal
3. D) To greet him
4. D) To face a prison sentence
5. C) Imprisonment
6. C) Deception

 

Sample Writing Answers

1. Character Analysis of Mr. Easton:

Throughout the story, Mr. Easton's character undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from a charming and affable figure to one shrouded in deception. Initially portrayed as a charismatic individual, Mr. Easton's true nature is gradually revealed as he discloses his role as a counterfeit marshal. This revelation exposes his willingness to deceive others for personal gain, highlighting the complexity of his character. Mr. Easton's journey serves as a compelling exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of one's actions.

Persuasive Letter from Miss Fairchild:

1. A persuasive letter

 

Dear Authorities,

I am writing to appeal for leniency towards Mr. Easton's companion, who faces a seven-year sentence for counterfeiting. While I understand the severity of his crime, I urge you to consider the circumstances surrounding his involvement. As Mr. Easton's acquaintance, I can attest to his remorse and the unexpected turn of events that led to his arrest. It is evident that he was influenced by Mr. Easton's deception, and I believe he deserves a chance at redemption. Please take into account his cooperation and the impact of imprisonment on his future. I implore you to reconsider the severity of his punishment and grant him a second chance.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

 

1. Narrative from the Glum-Faced Man's Perspective:

As I escorted Mr. Easton down the aisle of the train, I couldn't shake the weight of our situation. Bound together by gleaming handcuffs, our destinies intertwined on this journey to Leavenworth prison. Despite my gruff exterior, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Mr. Easton, a fellow traveler caught in the web of deception. With each passing moment, the reality of our predicament sank in deeper, overshadowing any semblance of hope. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, I found solace in the resolve to see this journey through to the end. As the train rattled onward, I contemplated the choices that led us here, grappling with the consequences of our actions. Despite the looming specter of imprisonment, I remained steadfast in my duty, a silent guardian bound by duty and honor. And as the landscape blurred outside the window, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited us at the end of the line.

 

 

 

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