
The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and the man's family pressures him to marry her. However, he has no intention of doing so and instead plans to abandon her. The woman discovers his plan and takes drastic action to ensure she is provided for.
By O. Henry · First published 1914 · Genre: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Drama · 1,113 words
At Denver there was an influx of passengers into the coaches on the eastbound B. & M. express. In one coach there sat a very pretty young woman dressed in elegant taste and surrounded by all the luxurious comforts of an experienced traveler. Among the newcomers were two young 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 handcuffed together.
Hearts and Hands is listed on Textopian as a short story by O. Henry, dated 1914 CE.
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Short Story Collection · American Literature · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Realism · Poverty · Class Struggle · Love · Marriage · Family · Friendship