Reconciliation

"Reconciliation" is a poignant short story by O. Henry that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The narrative follows a couple, John and his estranged wife, as they navigate misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. Set against the backdrop of a chance encounter, the story unfolds with O. Henry’s characteristic wit and twist ending, revealing how love can lead to reconciliation and the healing of past wounds. Through rich character development and clever storytelling, O. Henry emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the enduring nature of true love.

• Short story

								
A One-Act Drama

Dramatis Personae
A Houston married couple.

Scene--Her boudoir.

He
And now, Viola, since we understand each other, let us
never fall out again. Let us forget the bitter words that we
have spoken one to another, and resolve to dwell always in
love and affection. [Places his arm around her waist.]

She
Oh, Charles, you don't know how happy you make me! Of
course we will never quarrel again. Life is too short to
waste in petty bickerings and strife. Let us keep in the
primrose path of love, and never stray from it any more. Oh,
what bliss to think you love me and nothing can ever come
between us! Just like the old days when we used to meet by
the lilac hedge, isn't it? [Lays her head on his shoulder.]

He
Yes, and when I used to pull blossoms and twine them in
your hair and call you Queen Titania.

She
Oh, that was nice. I remember. Queen Titania? Oh, yes,
she was one of Shakespeare's characters, who fell in love
with a man with a donkey's head.

He
H'm!

She
Now don't. I didn't mean you. Oh, Charles, listen to the
Christmas chimes! What a merry day it will be for us. Are
you sure you love me as well as you used to?

He
More. Smack.

She
Does 'em fink me sweet?

He

Smack. Smack!

She
Wuz 'em's toodleums?

He
Awful heap. Who do you wuv?

She
My ownest own old boy.

Both
Smack!

He
Listen, the bells are chiming again. We should be doubly
happy, love, for we have passed through stormy seas of doubt
and anger. But now, a light is breaking, and the rosy dawn
of love has returned.

She
And should abide with us forever. Oh, Charles, let us
never again by word or look cause pain to each other.

He
Never again. And you will not scold any more?

She
No, dearest. You know I never have unless you gave me
cause.

He
Sometimes you have become angry and said hard things
without any reason.

She
Maybe you think so, but I don't. [Lifts her head from
his shoulder.]

He
I know what I'm talking about. [Takes his arm from her
waist.]

She
You come home cross because you haven't got sense enough
to conduct your business properly, and take your spite out
on me.

He
You make me tired. You get on your ear because you are
naturally one of the cain-raising, blab-mouthed kind and
can't help it.

She
You old crosspatch of a liar from Liarsville, don't you
talk to me that way or I'll scratch your eyes out.

He
You blamed wildcat. I wish I had been struck by
lightning before I ever met you.

She
[Seizing the broom.] Biff! biff! biff.

He
[After reaching the sidewalk] I wonder if Colonel
Ingersoll is right when he says suicide is no sin!

[Curtain]
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