by O Henry (1862-1910)

[ Junior Munsey_, February, 1902 Republished volume, _Sixes and Sevens (1911), by O Henry; copyright, 1911, by Doubleday, Page & Co ; reprinted by their permission ]

When Major Pendleton Talbot, of Mobile, sir, daughter, Miss Lydia Talbot, came to Washington to reside, they selected for boarding place house that stood fifty yards back from quietest avenues an old-fashioned brick building, with portico upheld by tall white pillars The yard was shaded by stately locusts and elms, and catalpa tree in season rained its pink and white blossoms grass Rows of high box bushes lined the fence and walks It Southern style and aspect place that pleased the eyes Talbots

pleasant private boarding house they engaged rooms, including study for Major Talbot, who was adding the finishing chapters book, Anecdotes and Reminiscences Alabama Army, Bench, and Bar

Major Talbot was old, old South The present day had little interest or excellence eyes His mind lived period Civil War Talbots owned thousands of acres of fine cotton land slaves to till them; family mansion scene of princely hospitality, and drew its guests aristocracy South Out period he had brought all its old pride and scruples of honor, an antiquated and punctilious politeness, and ( think) its wardrobe

Such clothes were surely never made within fifty years The Major was tall, but whenever that wonderful, archaic genuflexion bow, the corners frock coat swept the floor That garment was surprise even to Washington, ceased to shy frocks and broad-brimmed hats of Southern Congressmen boarders christened it "Father Hubbard," and it certainly was high waist and full skirt

But the Major, with all his queer clothes, his immense area of plaited, raveling shirt bosom, little black string tie bow always slipping on one side, both was smiled at and liked in Mrs Vardeman's select boarding house young department clerks would often "string him," called it, getting him started dearest to him--the traditions and history beloved Southland During his talks quote freely _Anecdotes and Reminiscences But they were very careful not to let him see their designs, for sixty-eight years boldest uncomfortable under the steady regard piercing gray eyes

Miss Lydia was plump, little old maid of thirty-five, with smoothly drawn, tightly twisted hair that made her look still older Old-fashioned, too, she was; but antebellum glory radiate from her as it did Major She possessed thrifty common sense, and she who handled the finances family, and met all comers when there were bills The Major regarded board bills and wash bills as contemptible nuisances They kept coming in so persistently and so often Why, the Major wanted , could they not be filed and paid in lump sum at some convenient period--say Anecdotes and Reminiscences published and paid for ? Miss Lydia would calmly go on with her sewing and say, "We'll pay go as long money lasts, and then perhaps they'll have to lump it "

Most of Mrs Vardeman's boarders were away during the day, being nearly all department clerks and business men; but who was house great deal from morning to night young man named Henry Hopkins Hargraves-- house addressed him by his full name--who was engaged at popular vaudeville theaters Vaudeville has risen to such respectable plane last few years, and Mr Hargraves was such modest and well-mannered person, that Mrs Vardeman could find no objection to enrolling him upon her list of boarders

theater Hargraves was known as an all-round dialect comedian, having large repertoire of German, Irish, Swede, and black-face specialties But Mr Hargraves was ambitious, and often spoke great desire to succeed in legitimate comedy

This young man appeared to conceive strong fancy for Major Talbot Whenever that gentleman would begin his Southern reminiscences, or repeat liveliest anecdotes, Hargraves could always be found, the most attentive among his listeners

For time the Major showed an inclination to discourage the advances "play actor," as he privately termed him; but soon the young man's agreeable manner and indubitable appreciation old gentleman's stories completely won him over

not long two were like old chums The Major set apart each afternoon to read to him the manuscript book During the anecdotes Hargraves never failed to laugh at exactly the right point The Major was moved to declare to Miss Lydia one day that young Hargraves possessed remarkable perception and gratifying respect old regime And when it came to talking old days--if Major Talbot liked , Mr Hargraves was entranced to listen

Like almost all old people who talk past, the Major loved to linger over details In describing the splendid, almost royal, days old planters, hesitate until he had recalled the name negro who held his horse, or the exact date of certain minor happenings, or the number of bales of cotton raised year; but Hargraves never grew impatient or lost interest contrary, advance questions on variety of subjects connected life , and he never failed to extract ready replies

The fox hunts, the 'possum suppers, the hoe-downs and jubilees negro quarters, the banquets plantation-house hall, when invitations went for fifty miles around; the occasional feuds neighboring gentry; the Major's duel with Rathbone Culbertson about Kitty Chalmers, who afterward married Thwaite of South Carolina; and private yacht races for fabulous sums on Mobile Bay; the quaint beliefs, improvident habits, and loyal virtues old slaves--all these were subjects that held both the Major and Hargraves absorbed for hours

Sometimes, at night, young man coming upstairs room after his turn theater was over, the Major would appear door study and beckon archly to him Going in, Hargraves would find little table set with decanter, sugar bowl, fruit, and big bunch of fresh green mint

"It occurred ," the Major would begin-- always ceremonious--"that perhaps you found your duties --at your place of occupation--sufficiently arduous to enable you, Mr Hargraves, to appreciate what the poet might well mind when he wrote, 'tired Nature's sweet restorer'-- Southern juleps "

fascination to Hargraves to watch him make it rank among artists when he began, and he never varied the process With what delicacy he bruised the mint; with what exquisite nicety he estimated the ingredients; with what solicitous care he capped the compound scarlet fruit glowing against the dark green fringe ! And then the hospitality and grace he offered it, selected oat straws plunged into its tinkling depths !

After about four months in Washington, Miss Lydia discovered one morning were almost without money The Anecdotes and Reminiscences was completed, but publishers jumped collected gems of Alabama sense and wit The rental of small house which they still owned in Mobile was two months in arrears Their board money month due in three days Miss Lydia called her father to consultation

"No money ? " said he with surprised look " quite annoying called on so frequently petty sums, Really, I--"

The Major searched his pockets only two-dollar bill, which he returned vest pocket

" attend at once, Lydia," "Kindly get me my umbrella go downtown immediately The congressman district, General Fulghum, assured me some that use his influence my book published at an early date go hotel at once what arrangement made "

With sad little smile Miss Lydia watched him button his "Father Hubbard" and depart, pausing door, as he always did, to bow profoundly

That evening, at dark, he returned It seemed that Congressman Fulghum had seen the publisher who had the Major's manuscript for reading That person had said that anecdotes, etc , were carefully pruned down about one-half, to eliminate the sectional and class prejudice the book was dyed from end to end, he might consider its publication

The Major was in white heat of anger, but regained his equanimity, according code of manners, in Miss Lydia's presence

" money," said Miss Lydia, with little wrinkle above her nose " the two dollars, telegraph to Uncle Ralph for some to-night "

The Major drew small envelope upper vest pocket and tossed it table

"Perhaps injudicious," mildly, "but the sum was so merely nominal that I bought tickets theater to-night It's new war drama, Lydia pleased to witness its first production in Washington told South has very fair treatment play I confess like the performance myself "

Miss Lydia threw up her hands in silent despair

Still, tickets were bought, be used evening, sat theater listening lively overture, even Miss Lydia was minded to relegate their troubles, hour, to second place The Major, in spotless linen, extraordinary coat showing only where closely buttoned, white hair smoothly roached, looked really fine and distinguished The curtain went up first act of Magnolia Flower_, revealing typical Southern plantation scene Major Talbot betrayed some interest

"Oh, see ! " exclaimed Miss Lydia, nudging his arm, and pointing to her program

The Major put glasses and read the line cast of characters that her fingers indicated

Col Webster Calhoun . . Mr Hopkins Hargraves

"It's our Mr Hargraves," said Miss Lydia "It his first appearance in what he calls 'the legitimate ' I'm so glad for him "