Convinced

"Convinced" is a short story by O. Henry that delves into the themes of love, deception, and the complexity of human relationships. The narrative follows a charming and crafty protagonist who, through clever manipulation and wit, navigates a series of misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. O. Henry’s signature style shines through in the twist ending, revealing deeper truths about the characters’ motivations and the nature of love itself. With his characteristic humor and poignant observations, O. Henry crafts a tale that both entertains and provokes thought about the nature of belief and trust in relationships.

• Short story

								
Houston is the dwelling place of a certain young lady who is
exceptionally blessed with the gifts of the goddess of fortune. She is
very fair to look upon, bright, witty, and possesses that gracious
charm so difficult to describe, but so potent to please, that is
commonly called personal magnetism. Although cast in such a lonely
world, and endowed with so many graces of mind and matter, she is no
idle butterfly of fashion, and the adulation she receives from a
numerous circle of admirers has not turned her head.

She has a close friend, a young lady of plain exterior, but a sensible
and practical mind, whom she habitually consults as a wise counselor
and advisor concerning the intricate problems of life.

One day she said to Marian--the wise friend: "How I wish there was some
way to find out who among these flattering suitors of mine is sincere
and genuine in the compliments that are paid me. Men are such
deceivers, and they all give me such unstinted praise, and make such
pretty speeches to me, that I do not know who among them, if any, are
true and sincere in their regard."

"I will tell you a way," said Marian. "The next evening when there are
a number of them calling upon you, recite a dramatic poem, and then
tell me how each one expresses his opinion of your effort."

The young lady was much impressed with the idea, and on the following
Friday evening when some half-dozen young men were in the parlor
paying her attentions, she volunteered to recite. She has not the
least dramatic talent, but she stood up and went through with a long
poem, with many gestures and much rolling of eyes and pressing of her
hands to her heart. She did it very badly, and without the least
regard for the rules of elocution or expression.

Later on, her friend Marian asked her how her effort was received.

"Oh," she said, "they all crowded around me, and appeared to be filled
with the utmost delight. Tom, and Henry, and Jim, and Charlie were in
raptures. They said that Mary Anderson could not have equaled it. They
said they had never heard anything spoken with such dramatic effect
and feeling."

"Everyone praised you?" asked Marian.

"All but one. Mr. Judson sat back in his chair and never applauded at
all. He told me after I had finished that he was afraid I had very
little dramatic talent at all."

"Now," said Marian. "You know who is sincere and genuine?"

"Yes," said the beautiful girl, with eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"The test was a complete success. I detest that odious Judson, and I'm
going to begin studying for the stage right away."
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