Blind Man's Holiday (Henry)

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O. Henry

Blind Man's Holiday

1906

Summary of the Short Story

Microsummary: A man falls in love with a girl he meets in a restaurant, but their relationship is complicated by his self-perceived social status and her mysterious past. They get married, but he later discovers that she works as a seamstress in a costume shop, leading to a revelation about her true character.

Lorison, a man with a shifting perspective, sees himself as an outcast from society. He falls in love with a girl named Norah whom he meets in a restaurant.

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Lorison — man with shifting perspective; self-condemned and self-exiled; confused, introspective.

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Norah Greenway — girl Lorison falls in love with; mysterious past; repentant and noble.

They spend time together each evening and eventually get married. However, Lorison is plagued by doubts and insecurities about his past and his worthiness of Norah's love. He confides in a priest, Father Rogan, who helps him realize that Norah is a hardworking and virtuous woman.

"If you ever get a girl, she'll have a picnic. Won't she work you to the queen's taste! Oh, my!"

Father Rogan takes Lorison to see Norah at her workplace, a costume shop, where she works tirelessly to support herself and her brother. Lorison is filled with remorse and a desire to make amends. Father Rogan advises him to meet Norah the next day and obey her wishes.

"I am going to my wife," said Lorison. "Let me pass."

Lorison leaves, determined to prove his gratitude and devotion to Norah.