The story revolves around a young man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He reunites with an old flame and they rekindle their romance. However, the woman's brother, a wealthy businessman, disapproves of their relationship due to the young man's lack of financial stability. As the situation unfolds, the young man devises a plan to win over the brother by pretending to be a wealthy suitor. He uses his wit and charm to convincingly portray himself as a successful entrepreneur, complete with fake business cards and a fabricated backstory. The ruse is successful, and the brother eventually gives his blessing for the couple to marry. However, just before the wedding, the young man's true identity is revealed, and he is forced to confess his deception. In the end, the woman stands by her original suitor, not because of his wealth or social status, but because she genuinely cares for him as a person. The story highlights the importance of genuine relationships and the dangers of superficiality.
By O. Henry · First published 1910 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Domestic Fiction