The Rubber Plant’s Story Page #2

"The Rubber Plant’s Story" by O. Henry is a charming and witty short story that captures the essence of human relationships and the unexpected twists of fate. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane household, the narrative revolves around a rubber plant that becomes a symbol of affection and connection. Through O. Henry's signature style of irony and humor, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the small, yet significant moments that define our lives. As characters navigate their personal dilemmas, the rubber plant serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty in everyday interactions.

• Short story

								

dish.

When the girl opens the door in steps a young chap in a traveling cap
and picks her up in his arms, and she sings out “Oh, Dick!” and stays
there long enough to—well, you’ve been a rubber plant too, sometimes, I
suppose.

“Good thing!” says I to myself. “This is livelier than scales and
weeping. Now there’ll be something doing.”

“You’ve got to go back with me,” says the young man. “I’ve come two
thousand miles for you. Aren’t you tired of it yet. Bess? You’ve kept
all of us waiting so long. Haven’t you found out yet what is best?”

“The bubble burst only to-day,” says the girl. “Come here, Dick, and
see what I found the other day on the sidewalk for sale.” She brings
him by the hand and exhibits yours truly. “How one ever got away up
here who can tell? I bought it with almost the last money I had.”

He looked at me, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off her for more than a
second. “Do you remember the night, Bess,” he said, “when we stood
under one of those on the bank of the bayou and what you told me then?”

“Geewillikins!” I said to myself. “Both of them stand under a rubber
plant! Seems to me they are stretching matters somewhat!”

“Do I not,” says she, looking up at him and sneaking close to his vest,
“and now I say it again, and it is to last forever. Look, Dick, at its
leaves, how wet they are. Those are my tears, and it was thinking of
you that made them fall.”

“The dear old magnolias!” says the young man, pinching one of my
leaves. “I love them all.”

Magnolia! Well, wouldn’t that—say! those innocents thought I was a
magnolia! What the—well, wasn’t that tough on a genuine little old New
York rubber plant?
								Rate this book:0.0 / 0 votes