A Righteous Outburst

"A Righteous Outburst" is a short story by O. Henry that captures the charm and wit characteristic of the author's writing. Set in a bustling urban environment, the story revolves around the interactions of its colorful characters, focusing on themes of justice, social class, and the human condition. Through clever dialogue and unexpected twists, O. Henry explores the complexities of morality and the often humorous discrepancies between perception and reality. The narrative highlights O. Henry's signature style, blending humor with poignant social commentary, ultimately leaving readers with a thought-provoking reflection on righteousness and societal norms.

• Short story

								
He smelled of gin and his whiskers resembled the cylinder of a Swiss
music box. He walked into a toy shop on Main Street yesterday and
leaned sorrowfully against the counter.

"Anything today?" asked the proprietor coldly.

He wiped an eye with a dingy red handkerchief and said:

"Nothing at all, thank you. I just came inside to shed a tear. I do
not like to obtrude my grief upon the passersby. I have a little
daughter, sir; five years of age, with curly golden hair. Her name is
Lilian. She says to me this morning: 'Papa, will Santa Claus bring me
a red wagon for Christmas?' It completely unmanned me, sir, as, alas,
I am out of work and penniless. Just think, one little red wagon would
bring her happiness, and there are children who have hundreds of red
wagons."

"Before you go out," said the proprietor, "which you are going to do
in about fifteen seconds, I am willing to inform you that I have a
branch store on Trains Street, and was around there yesterday. You
came in and made the same talk about your little girl, whom you called
Daisy, and I gave you a wagon. It seems you don't remember your little
girl's name very well."

The man drew himself up with dignity, and started for the door. When
nearly there, he turned and said:

"Her name is Lilian Daisy, sir, and the wagon you gave me had a
rickety wheel and some of the paint was scratched off the handle. I
have a friend who tends bar on Willow Street, who is keeping it for me
till Christmas, but I will feel a flush of shame on your behalf, sir,
when Lilian Daisy sees that old, slab-sided, squeaking, secondhand,
leftover-from-last-year's-stock wagon. But, sir, when Lilian Daisy
kneels at her little bed at night I shall get her to pray for you, and
ask Heaven to have mercy on you. Have you one of your business cards
handy, so Lilian Daisy can get your name right in her petitions?"
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