His Only Opportunity

"His Only Opportunity" is a classic short story by O. Henry that explores themes of love, chance, and irony. The narrative follows a young man named Jim, who is determined to woo a charming waitress named Mabel. He devises a clever but risky plan to win her affection by posing as a wealthy patron. As the story unfolds, O. Henry masterfully weaves humor and poignancy, ultimately leading to an unexpected twist that reveals the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictable nature of opportunity. The tale is a delightful reflection of O. Henry's signature style, combining wit with deeper insights into character and circumstance.

• Short story

								
Last week "The Rainmakers" gave two performances in Houston. At the
night performance a prominent local politician occupied one of the
front seats, as near to the stage as possible. He carried in his hand
a glossy silk hat, and he seemed to be in a state of anxious suspense,
fidgeting about in his chair, and holding his hat in both hands
straight before him. A friend who occupied a seat directly behind,
leaned over and asked the cause of his agitation.

"I'll tell you, Bill," said the politician in a confidential whisper,
"just how it is. I've been in politics now for ten years, and I've
been bemoaned and abused and cussed out, and called so many hard names
that I thought I'd like to be addressed in a decent manner once more
before I die, and this is about the only opportunity I shall have.
There is a sleight-of-hand performance between two of the acts in this
show, and the professor is going to step down to the front and say:
'Will some gentleman kindly loan me a hat?' Then I'm going to stand up
and give him mine, and it'll make me feel good for a week. I haven't
been called a gentleman in so long. I expect I'll whoop right out hard
when he takes the hat. Excuse me now. I've got to be ready and get my
hat in first. I see one of the city councilmen over there with an old
derby in his hand, and I'll bet he's up to the same game."
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