The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man for financial security. She becomes pregnant and her husband's health begins to decline. He dies, leaving her with a large sum of money but also a child that she cannot care for on her own. She decides to give the child up for adoption, but not before taking it to see its father's grave one last time. The woman is shown to be struggling with the moral implications of giving up her child and the societal expectations placed upon her. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships.
By O. Henry · First published 1908 · Genre: Short Story, Literary Fiction, Comedy