Best Seller by O Henry Part II -Detailed Summary & Analysis

Best Seller (Part II) – O. Henry

Detailed Summary (for High School Students)

After following the beautiful young lady from the train, John A. Pescud reached the small town where she lived. He stayed in a hotel and became curious about the large white house on the hill. He asked the landlord about the family living there.

The landlord told him that the house belonged to Colonel Allyn, one of the richest and most respected men in Virginia. He was known for his wealth, good character, and noble family background. The young lady whom Pescud had followed was Jessie Allyn, the Colonel's daughter. She had been visiting her sick aunt and had just returned home.

Pescud stayed in the town for a few more days. On the third day, he saw Jessie walking in the front garden near the fence. He politely asked her if she knew where a man named Mr. Hinkle lived. This was only an excuse to begin a conversation. Jessie looked at him with surprise because she knew no such person. She politely replied that nobody by that name lived in Birchton.

Pescud then admitted that he was serious and had travelled a long distance only to meet her. Jessie smilingly completed his unfinished sentence by reminding him how he had almost missed the train because he had fallen asleep at the railway station. Pescud was astonished. He wondered how she knew this. Jessie explained that she had noticed him on every train during the journey and had guessed that he wanted to speak to her.

Encouraged by her honesty, Pescud told Jessie everything about himself. He explained that he was a travelling salesman, earning a good salary, and had followed her because he admired her and wished to become her friend. Jessie listened quietly. She smiled and blushed because no stranger had ever spoken to her in such an open and sincere manner. She asked him his full name, and he introduced himself as John A. Pescud.

Their conversation became friendlier. Jessie then proudly pointed towards her large mansion and spoke about her family's long history. She said that the Allyns had lived there for nearly five hundred years. The house had fifty rooms, grand pillars, wide porches, beautiful balconies, and magnificent reception halls with very high ceilings. She also proudly mentioned that her father was descended from noble English ancestors.

Jessie warned Pescud that her father was very strict and would never allow her to talk to a stranger. She jokingly said that if the Colonel found out, he might even lock her in her room. When Pescud asked if he could meet her father, Jessie laughed and teased him by saying that the Colonel might set his foxhounds after him. Pescud jokingly replied that he was a good runner and hunter and could easily outrun them. Before leaving, he requested her first name. After a little hesitation, she softly replied, "Jessie."

The next morning, exactly at eleven o'clock, Pescud courageously went to Colonel Allyn's house. After waiting for some time, he was shown inside. Soon Colonel Allyn entered the room. Although he was dressed simply, he had an impressive and dignified personality that immediately commanded respect.

The Colonel invited Pescud to sit down. Without hiding anything, Pescud honestly told him the whole story—from the moment he first saw Jessie on the train to the reason why he had followed her. He also explained his job, his salary, his good reputation, and his belief that a man should always live honestly and decently.

At first, Pescud expected the Colonel to become angry and throw him out. Instead, the Colonel burst into laughter. He appreciated Pescud's honesty and courage. They talked together for nearly two hours. The Colonel asked many questions about Pescud's family, work, and future plans. He even mentioned that there had once been a famous Sir Courtenay Pescud in English history, but Pescud modestly denied any connection with him. Instead, he simply spoke about his ordinary family and even shared a few amusing stories.

The Colonel enjoyed his company very much. He remarked that humorous stories were one of the best ways to build lasting friendships. He even entertained Pescud with his own stories, especially about fox hunting. Gradually, the Colonel grew very fond of the young salesman.

Two evenings later, Pescud found a chance to speak privately with Jessie. They shared a few happy moments together before the Colonel came in with another of his amusing stories.

The narrator's train journey eventually came to an end at Coketown, where Pescud prepared to get off. Before leaving, he happily revealed the ending of his story. He told the narrator that he and Jessie had married a year earlier. They were living happily in a comfortable house in the East End, and Colonel Allyn was living with them as a member of the family.

Pescud also explained why he was getting off at Coketown. He wanted to buy petunia flowers because Jessie loved growing them. They reminded her of her childhood home in Virginia. Before saying goodbye, he warmly invited the narrator to visit their home someday.

After Pescud left, the narrator noticed the romantic novel, The Best Seller, lying on the floor of the railway coach. He carefully moved it away from the rain. Smiling to himself, he reflected that real life is often just as surprising and romantic as the stories found in books. True love, honesty, and happiness are not limited by social class, wealth, or geography. They can be found anywhere.

 

Important Themes

True Love: Love grows through honesty, trust, and sincerity rather than wealth or social status.

Honesty: Pescud wins the respect of Jessie and her father because he tells the truth without fear.

Courage: Pescud bravely meets Colonel Allyn despite expecting rejection.

Equality: The story shows that a person's character is more important than family background or social position.

Reality vs Fiction: O. Henry humorously proves that real life can sometimes be as romantic as the novels people read.

Character Sketches

·      John A. Pescud

·      Honest and sincere

·      Brave and confident

·      Hard-working salesman

·      Humble despite his success

·      Deeply loving and faithful

Jessie Allyn

·      Beautiful and well-mannered

·      Intelligent and observant

·      Kind-hearted and modest

·      Loyal to her family

·      Appreciates honesty more than wealth

Colonel Allyn

·      Proud but generous

·      Wise and humorous

·      Loving father

·      Open-minded

·      Judges people by character rather than social status

High School Examination Questions with Answers

Short Answer Questions (30–40 Words)

1. Why did Pescud ask about Mr. Hinkle?

 

Answer: Pescud did not really want to meet Mr. Hinkle. He used the name as an excuse to start a conversation with Jessie because he was too shy to speak directly about his feelings.

2. How did Jessie know that Pescud had almost missed the train?

Answer: Jessie had noticed Pescud during the journey. She saw him following her on different trains and realised that he had almost missed one train because he had fallen asleep at the station.

3. Why was Pescud surprised by Jessie's words?

Answer: Pescud was surprised because Jessie knew many details about his journey. He had not realised that she had been quietly observing him throughout the trip.

4. Why did Colonel Allyn like Pescud?

Answer: Colonel Allyn admired Pescud because he was truthful, confident, hardworking, and respectful. He appreciated his honesty and his courage in openly expressing his feelings for Jessie.

5. Why did Pescud buy petunias at Coketown?

Answer:Pescud bought petunias because Jessie loved those flowers. They reminded her of her childhood home in Virginia, and he wanted to make her happy.

6. What message does the narrator give at the end of the story?

Answer: The narrator concludes that real life can be as romantic and surprising as fiction. Love, happiness, and kindness are found everywhere, regardless of place or social status.

Long Answer Questions (100–120 Words)

1. Describe how Pescud first spoke to Jessie and won her confidence.

 

Answer: Pescud gathered courage and spoke to Jessie when he saw her walking near her house. To begin the conversation, he asked about a man named Mr. Hinkle, though no such person lived there. Jessie soon realised that he had travelled a long distance only to meet her. Pescud honestly told her about himself, his work, and the reason for following her. He admitted that he admired her and wanted to know her better. Jessie appreciated his honesty and sincerity. His truthful nature and respectful behaviour gradually won her confidence, and they became friends.

2. How did Colonel Allyn react when Pescud asked for Jessie's hand?

Answer: Pescud expected Colonel Allyn to become angry and send him away. Instead, the Colonel listened patiently while Pescud honestly told his entire story. He explained his job, income, family, and future plans without hiding anything. The Colonel admired his courage and truthfulness. Rather than rejecting him, he laughed warmly and spent a long time talking with him. Their conversation became friendly, and the Colonel realised that Pescud was a decent and responsible young man. Finally, he accepted him, showing that good character is more important than wealth or family background.

3. What qualities of John A. Pescud make him an ideal hero?

Answer: John A. Pescud is an ideal hero because he is honest, hardworking, brave, and humble. He never pretends to be rich or noble. Instead, he proudly speaks about his simple family and his job as a travelling salesman. He has the courage to follow Jessie and openly express his feelings. He also respectfully seeks her father's permission before thinking of marriage. His love is sincere, and he always behaves with kindness and honesty. These qualities earn him the respect of Jessie and Colonel Allyn, proving that good character is the greatest strength.

4. What is the central message of The Best Seller?

Answer: The story teaches that true love is based on honesty, goodness, and mutual respect rather than wealth, social class, or family background. Although Jessie belongs to a proud and wealthy family, she chooses Pescud because of his sincere nature. Colonel Allyn also values character above status. O. Henry shows that real life can be as surprising as fiction. The story encourages readers to believe that honesty, courage, and simplicity can overcome social differences and lead to happiness. It reminds us that love and goodness have no boundaries.