Thimble, Thimble (Henry)

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Thimble, Thimble
Summary of the Short Story
Microsummary: Two cousins, Blandford and John Carteret, run a mill supplies and leather belting business in New York. When their old family servant, Uncle Jake, brings a watch from their mother, they play a game to see who he recognizes as his 'young marster.'

In this story, two cousins, Blandford and John Carteret, run a mill supplies and leather belting business in New York.

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Blandford Carteret — one of the cousins; partner in the mill supplies and leather belting business; smooth-faced, alert, easy-mannered.
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John Carteret — one of the cousins; partner in the mill supplies and leather belting business; smooth-faced, alert, easy-mannered.

Blandford receives a letter from his mother, informing him that their old family servant, Uncle Jake, is coming to visit and bring him a watch that belonged to his father.

"I reckon you done got you ma's letter," went on Uncle Jake. "She said she was gwine to write to you 'bout my comin' along up this er-way."

When Uncle Jake arrives, he is unable to distinguish between the two cousins and is unsure who to give the watch to.

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Uncle Jake — old family servant; black, wrinkled, bald with a fringe of white wool, black suit, shiny shoes, straw hat with a gaudy ribbon.

"I knowed you, Marse Blandford, the minute I sot eyes on you. You was a po' skimpy little boy no mo' than about fo'teen when you lef' home to come No'th; but I knowed you the minute I sot eyes on you."

To settle the matter, they decide to bring in a young woman named Olivia De Ormond, who claims that Blandford proposed to her and she has letters to prove it.

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Miss De Ormond — young, pretty lady; dressed expensively and plainly; has a great ostrich plume; charming, petulant.

She demands either $10,000 or for Blandford to fulfill the engagement. Blandford's cousin, John, intervenes and explains that they come from a proud and honorable family. He offers Olivia the money, and she accepts it and leaves. Finally, Uncle Jake presents the watch to Blandford, and the story ends.