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The Duplicity of Hargraves
The Duplicity Of Hargraves BY O. Henry [ZHINGOORA BOOKS]
Unknown Binding
First published August 7, 2012
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32 people want to read
About the author
O. Henry
2,919 books1,891 followersSuch volumes as
Cabbages and Kings
(1904) and
The Four Million
(1906) collect short stories, noted for their often surprising endings, of American writer William Sydney Porter, who used the pen name O. Henry.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
His biography shows where he found inspiration for his characters. His era produced their voices and his language.
Mother of three-year-old Porter died from tuberculosis. He left school at fifteen years of age and worked for five years in drugstore of his uncle and then for two years at a Texas sheep ranch.
In 1884, he went to Austin, where he worked in a real estate office and a church choir and spent four years as a draftsman in the general land office. His wife and firstborn died, but daughter Margaret survived him.
He failed to establish a small humorous weekly and afterward worked in poorly-run bank. When its accounts balanced not, people blamed and fired him.
In Houston, he worked for a few years until, ordered to stand trial for embezzlement, he fled to New Orleans and thence Honduras.
Two years later, he returned on account of illness of his wife. Apprehended, Porter served a few months more than three years in a penitentiary in Columbus, Ohio. During his incarceration, he composed ten short stories, including A Blackjack Bargainer , The Enchanted Kiss , and The Duplicity of Hargraves .
In 1899, McClure's published Whistling Dick's Christmas Story and Georgia's Ruling .
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he sent manuscripts to New York editors. In the spring of 1902, Ainslee's Magazine offered him a regular income if he moved to New York.
In less than eight years, he became a bestselling author of collections of short stories. Cabbages and Kings came first in 1904 The Four Million, and The Trimmed Lamp and Heart of the West followed in 1907, and The Voice of the City in 1908, Roads of Destiny and Options in 1909, Strictly Business and Whirligigs in 1910 followed.
Posthumously published collections include The Gentle Grafter about the swindler, Jeff Peters; Rolling Stones , Waifs and Strays , and in 1936, unsigned stories, followed.
People rewarded other persons financially more. A Retrieved Reformation about the safe-cracker Jimmy Valentine got $250; six years later, $500 for dramatic rights, which gave over $100,000 royalties for playwright Paul Armstrong. Many stories have been made into films.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2025
The Duplicity of Hargraves is very much a product of its time.
This short story follows Major Talbot, an aging gentleman from the Antebellum South, and his daughter Lydia as they adjust to their new life in Washington, D.C., a far cry from the world they once knew. Major Talbot befriends Hargraves, a vaudeville actor who seems genuinely interested in his tales of the “old South.” However, their friendship takes a turn when Talbot attends a theater performance only to discover that Hargraves has created a caricatured role based on him, mocking both his mannerisms and background.
Humiliated, Talbot severs ties with Hargraves, refusing even the actor’s offer to help pay his overdue board. Soon after, Talbot receives a surprise visit from a man claiming to be a former slave of his, Mr. Mose, who insists on repaying an old debt and provides enough money to save Talbot and his daughter from financial hardship. The twist comes later, when Lydia learns through a letter that “Mr. Mose” was in fact Hargraves in disguise, having resorted to deception to ensure the proud old man would accept his assistance.
While O. Henry’s writing style is engaging and the story itself is cleverly constructed, it is also deeply problematic by modern standards. The use of derogatory terms such as “darkey” and the reliance on blackface as a plot device are both jarring and uncomfortable to read today.
For what it was, the story had its strengths in prose and narrative, but the themes and language make it difficult to appreciate fully. I would rate this ⭐️⭐️❌❌❌/5, mainly because I do admire O. Henry’s writing style, but the content left me uneasy.
This short story follows Major Talbot, an aging gentleman from the Antebellum South, and his daughter Lydia as they adjust to their new life in Washington, D.C., a far cry from the world they once knew. Major Talbot befriends Hargraves, a vaudeville actor who seems genuinely interested in his tales of the “old South.” However, their friendship takes a turn when Talbot attends a theater performance only to discover that Hargraves has created a caricatured role based on him, mocking both his mannerisms and background.
Humiliated, Talbot severs ties with Hargraves, refusing even the actor’s offer to help pay his overdue board. Soon after, Talbot receives a surprise visit from a man claiming to be a former slave of his, Mr. Mose, who insists on repaying an old debt and provides enough money to save Talbot and his daughter from financial hardship. The twist comes later, when Lydia learns through a letter that “Mr. Mose” was in fact Hargraves in disguise, having resorted to deception to ensure the proud old man would accept his assistance.
While O. Henry’s writing style is engaging and the story itself is cleverly constructed, it is also deeply problematic by modern standards. The use of derogatory terms such as “darkey” and the reliance on blackface as a plot device are both jarring and uncomfortable to read today.
For what it was, the story had its strengths in prose and narrative, but the themes and language make it difficult to appreciate fully. I would rate this ⭐️⭐️❌❌❌/5, mainly because I do admire O. Henry’s writing style, but the content left me uneasy.
January 8, 2019
It is hard to really enjoy a story where "blackface" is a major plot point, but O. Henry's particular style is easily apparent in the tale.
May 2, 2013
This is one of the best short stories I have ever heard. I was not lost once throughout the story to a major degree, and even with following it so close was not expecting the twist at the end of the story. This was, in my opinion, better than his other short story, The Gift of the Magi. I was very impressed!
November 9, 2025
O. Henry’s “The Duplicity of Hargraves” is a short story about the dying old Southern past and how hard it is for some gentleman. I had thought the duplicity would be of a truly malevolent sort and as I read on it was truly something different, so half way through I figured out the ending but overall it was a truly a surprise.
Story in short- Major Talbot had lost all his abundant wealth after the Civil War and must make his way with his middle aged daughter keeping his memories dear to him. He is in for a shock after seeing a theater play!
———➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2167
Major Talbot was of the old, old South. The present day had little interest or excellence in his eyes. His
mind lived in that period before the Civil War, when the Talbots owned thousands of acres of fine
cotton land and the slaves to till them; when the family mansion was the scene of princely hospitality,
and drew its guests from the aristocracy of the South. Out of that period he had brought all its old pride
and scruples of honour, an antiquated and punctilious
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2167
politeness, and (you would think) its wardrobe. Such clothes were surely never made within fifty years.
The major was tall, but whenever he made that wonderful, archaic genuflexion he called a bow, the
corners of his frock coat swept the floor. That garment was a surprise even to Washington, which has
long ago ceased to shy at the frocks and broadbrimmed hats of Southern congressmen. One of the
boarders christened it a “Father Hubbard,” and it certainly was high in the waist and full in the skirt.
Page 2168
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
But the major, with all his queer clothes, his immense area of plaited, ravelling shirt bosom, and the
little black string tie with the bow always slipping on one side, both was smiled at and liked in Mrs.
Vardeman’ s select boarding house. Some of the young department clerks would often “string him,” as
they called it, getting him started upon the subject dearest to him — the traditions and history of his
beloved Southland. During his talks he would quote freely from the “Anecdotes and Reminiscences.” But
they
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Major Talbot thought Hargraves was a friend not looking to make fun of him but after the actor tries to give monetary amends and the Southern pride refused after watching the actor play him to a T he refuses. Though another acting part of an old slave who has money from the sale in the past from the plantation which helps the pride of Talbot, he accepts. Lydia hears later in a letter from Hargraves about the money and how he played the part of the slave but tells her to keep quiet which she knows must be so.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
were very careful not to let him see their designs, for in spite of his sixty-eight years, he could make the
boldest of them uncomfortable under the steady regard of his piercing gray eyes. Miss Lydia was a
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 ante-bellum glory did not radiate from her as it did from the
major. She possessed a thrifty common sense; and it was she who handled the finances of the
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
family, and met all comers when there were bills to pay. The major regarded board bills and wash bills
as contemptible nuisances.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
Miss Lydia would calmly go on with her sewing and say, “We’ll pay as we go as long as the money lasts,
and then perhaps they’ll have to lump it.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
Most of Mrs. Vardeman’s boarders were away during the day, being nearly all department clerks and
business men; but there was one of them who was about the house a great deal from morning to night.
This was a young man named Henry Hopkins Hargraves — every one in the house addressed him by his
full name — who was engaged at one of the popular vaudeville theatres. Vaudeville has risen to such a
respectable plane in the last few years, and Mr. Hargraves was such a modest and well-mannered person,
Page 2169
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2169
that Mrs. Vardeman could find no objection to enrolling him upon her list of boarders. At the theatre
Hargraves was known as an all-round dialect comedian, having a large repertoire of German, Irish,
Swede, and black-face specialties. But Mr. Hargraves was ambitious, and often spoke of his great desire
to succeed in legitimate comedy. This young man appeared to conceive a strong fancy for Major Talbot.
Whenever that gentleman would begin his Southern reminiscences, or repeat some of the liveliest of
the anecdotes, Hargraves could always be found, the most attentive among his listeners.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2169
The major was moved to declare to Miss Lydia one day that young Hargraves possessed remarkable
perception and a gratifying respect for the old regime. And when it came to talking of those old days —
if Major Talbot liked to talk, Mr. Hargraves was entranced to listen.
2
Page 2171
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
After about four months in Washington, Miss Lydia discovered one morning that they were almost
without money. The “Anecdotes and Reminiscences” was completed, but publishers had not jumped at
the collected gems of Alabama sense and wit. The rental of a small house which they still owned in
Mobile was two months in arrears.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
Their board money for the month would be due in three days. Miss Lydia called her father to a
consultation. “No money?” said he with a surprised look. “It is quite annoying to be called on so
frequently for these petty sums. Really, I—” The major searched his pockets. He found only a two-dollar
bill, which he returned to his vest pocket. “I must attend to this at once, Lydia,” he said. “Kindly get me
my umbrella and I will go down
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
town immediately. The congressman from our district, General Fulghum, assured me some days ago
that he would use his influence to get my book published at an early date. I will go to his hotel at once
and see what arrangement has been made.”
Page 2172
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
“We must have money,” said Miss Lydia, with a little wrinkle above her nose. “Give me the two dollars,
and I will telegraph to Uncle Ralph for some to-night.” The major drew a small envelope from his upper
vest pocket and tossed it on the table. “Perhaps it was injudicious,” he said mildly, “but the sum was so
merely nominal that I bought tickets to the theatre to-night. It’s a new war drama, Lydia. I thought you
would be pleased to witness its first production in Washington.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
I am told that the South has very fair treatment in the play. I confess I should like to see the performance
myself.” Miss Lydia threw up her hands in silent despair. Still, as the tickets were bought, they might as
well be used. So that evening, as they sat in the theatre listening to the lively overture, even Miss Lydia
was minded to relegate their troubles, for the hour, to second place.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
“Oh, see!” exclaimed Miss Lydia, nudging his arm, and pointing to her programme. The major put on his
glasses and read the line in the cast of characters that her finger indicated. Col. Webster Calhoun . . . . H.
Hopkins Hargraves.
Story in short- Major Talbot had lost all his abundant wealth after the Civil War and must make his way with his middle aged daughter keeping his memories dear to him. He is in for a shock after seeing a theater play!
———➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2167
Major Talbot was of the old, old South. The present day had little interest or excellence in his eyes. His
mind lived in that period before the Civil War, when the Talbots owned thousands of acres of fine
cotton land and the slaves to till them; when the family mansion was the scene of princely hospitality,
and drew its guests from the aristocracy of the South. Out of that period he had brought all its old pride
and scruples of honour, an antiquated and punctilious
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2167
politeness, and (you would think) its wardrobe. Such clothes were surely never made within fifty years.
The major was tall, but whenever he made that wonderful, archaic genuflexion he called a bow, the
corners of his frock coat swept the floor. That garment was a surprise even to Washington, which has
long ago ceased to shy at the frocks and broadbrimmed hats of Southern congressmen. One of the
boarders christened it a “Father Hubbard,” and it certainly was high in the waist and full in the skirt.
Page 2168
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
But the major, with all his queer clothes, his immense area of plaited, ravelling shirt bosom, and the
little black string tie with the bow always slipping on one side, both was smiled at and liked in Mrs.
Vardeman’ s select boarding house. Some of the young department clerks would often “string him,” as
they called it, getting him started upon the subject dearest to him — the traditions and history of his
beloved Southland. During his talks he would quote freely from the “Anecdotes and Reminiscences.” But
they
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Major Talbot thought Hargraves was a friend not looking to make fun of him but after the actor tries to give monetary amends and the Southern pride refused after watching the actor play him to a T he refuses. Though another acting part of an old slave who has money from the sale in the past from the plantation which helps the pride of Talbot, he accepts. Lydia hears later in a letter from Hargraves about the money and how he played the part of the slave but tells her to keep quiet which she knows must be so.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
were very careful not to let him see their designs, for in spite of his sixty-eight years, he could make the
boldest of them uncomfortable under the steady regard of his piercing gray eyes. Miss Lydia was a
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 ante-bellum glory did not radiate from her as it did from the
major. She possessed a thrifty common sense; and it was she who handled the finances of the
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
family, and met all comers when there were bills to pay. The major regarded board bills and wash bills
as contemptible nuisances.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
Miss Lydia would calmly go on with her sewing and say, “We’ll pay as we go as long as the money lasts,
and then perhaps they’ll have to lump it.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2168
Most of Mrs. Vardeman’s boarders were away during the day, being nearly all department clerks and
business men; but there was one of them who was about the house a great deal from morning to night.
This was a young man named Henry Hopkins Hargraves — every one in the house addressed him by his
full name — who was engaged at one of the popular vaudeville theatres. Vaudeville has risen to such a
respectable plane in the last few years, and Mr. Hargraves was such a modest and well-mannered person,
Page 2169
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2169
that Mrs. Vardeman could find no objection to enrolling him upon her list of boarders. At the theatre
Hargraves was known as an all-round dialect comedian, having a large repertoire of German, Irish,
Swede, and black-face specialties. But Mr. Hargraves was ambitious, and often spoke of his great desire
to succeed in legitimate comedy. This young man appeared to conceive a strong fancy for Major Talbot.
Whenever that gentleman would begin his Southern reminiscences, or repeat some of the liveliest of
the anecdotes, Hargraves could always be found, the most attentive among his listeners.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2169
The major was moved to declare to Miss Lydia one day that young Hargraves possessed remarkable
perception and a gratifying respect for the old regime. And when it came to talking of those old days —
if Major Talbot liked to talk, Mr. Hargraves was entranced to listen.
2
Page 2171
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
After about four months in Washington, Miss Lydia discovered one morning that they were almost
without money. The “Anecdotes and Reminiscences” was completed, but publishers had not jumped at
the collected gems of Alabama sense and wit. The rental of a small house which they still owned in
Mobile was two months in arrears.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
Their board money for the month would be due in three days. Miss Lydia called her father to a
consultation. “No money?” said he with a surprised look. “It is quite annoying to be called on so
frequently for these petty sums. Really, I—” The major searched his pockets. He found only a two-dollar
bill, which he returned to his vest pocket. “I must attend to this at once, Lydia,” he said. “Kindly get me
my umbrella and I will go down
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2171
town immediately. The congressman from our district, General Fulghum, assured me some days ago
that he would use his influence to get my book published at an early date. I will go to his hotel at once
and see what arrangement has been made.”
Page 2172
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
“We must have money,” said Miss Lydia, with a little wrinkle above her nose. “Give me the two dollars,
and I will telegraph to Uncle Ralph for some to-night.” The major drew a small envelope from his upper
vest pocket and tossed it on the table. “Perhaps it was injudicious,” he said mildly, “but the sum was so
merely nominal that I bought tickets to the theatre to-night. It’s a new war drama, Lydia. I thought you
would be pleased to witness its first production in Washington.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
I am told that the South has very fair treatment in the play. I confess I should like to see the performance
myself.” Miss Lydia threw up her hands in silent despair. Still, as the tickets were bought, they might as
well be used. So that evening, as they sat in the theatre listening to the lively overture, even Miss Lydia
was minded to relegate their troubles, for the hour, to second place.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2172
“Oh, see!” exclaimed Miss Lydia, nudging his arm, and pointing to her programme. The major put on his
glasses and read the line in the cast of characters that her finger indicated. Col. Webster Calhoun . . . . H.
Hopkins Hargraves.
August 14, 2023
The Duplicity of Hargraves Buckle up, because this short story by O. Henry is about to take you on a ride full of chuckles and surprises.
Meet our charming protagonist, Hargraves, a man with a plan that's as tricky as a fox in a henhouse. From the get-go, you'll find yourself grinning at his sly antics. Hargraves is like that mischievous friend we all secretly wish we had – the kind who always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else.
The story unfolds in true O. Henry fashion – with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Hargraves throws a curveball that leaves you shaking your head in admiration. It's a delightful dance of wit and cunning, and you'll find yourself rooting for Hargraves even when you know he's up to no good.
So, if you're in the mood for a quick dose of laughter and intrigue, The Duplicity of Hargraves is your ticket. It's a short story that packs a punch, a delightful dip into the world of wit and trickery. Go on, give it a read.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
Meet our charming protagonist, Hargraves, a man with a plan that's as tricky as a fox in a henhouse. From the get-go, you'll find yourself grinning at his sly antics. Hargraves is like that mischievous friend we all secretly wish we had – the kind who always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else.
The story unfolds in true O. Henry fashion – with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Hargraves throws a curveball that leaves you shaking your head in admiration. It's a delightful dance of wit and cunning, and you'll find yourself rooting for Hargraves even when you know he's up to no good.
So, if you're in the mood for a quick dose of laughter and intrigue, The Duplicity of Hargraves is your ticket. It's a short story that packs a punch, a delightful dip into the world of wit and trickery. Go on, give it a read.
Rana Dil Nawaz.
Karachi, Pakistan.
https://ocdil.blog
January 22, 2026
Like many O. Henry stories, this one has a neat twist to it that I will not reveal. The situation of the old Southern gentleman and his daughter in somewhat dire straits for money, and the actor who has studied the gentlemen well enough to portray him on stage, is one bit of the whole, but it’s the combination of all of these, and that twist, that makes this story work, in the way that many O. Henry stories do, a combination of the foibles of people with the realities of the world. Truly, no one did it better than O. Henry.
May 20, 2019
This is story is about a man caught in irony. Sometimes the flattery present in drama or literature can be insulting.
Read
March 18, 2023The twist ending was blackface :(
December 12, 2025
Impressive Imposter
February 20, 2026
this is one of the not so favourite of o. henry
i don’t get things that much and story was boring from start until the plot twist came
i don’t get things that much and story was boring from start until the plot twist came
January 2, 2023
Nowadays, Hargraves would be crucified.
December 31, 2014
OK story. I thought the quote that Hargraves threw back at Talbot was accurate, even if it is an obvious generalization (as was the point).
"The Northern man is utterly without sentiment or warmth except in so far as the feelings may be turned to his own commercial profit. He will suffer without resentment any imputation cast upon the honor of himself or his loved ones that does not bear with it the consequence of pecuniary loss. In his charity, he gives with a liberal hand; but it must be heralded with the trumpet and chronicled in brass."
"The Northern man is utterly without sentiment or warmth except in so far as the feelings may be turned to his own commercial profit. He will suffer without resentment any imputation cast upon the honor of himself or his loved ones that does not bear with it the consequence of pecuniary loss. In his charity, he gives with a liberal hand; but it must be heralded with the trumpet and chronicled in brass."
June 9, 2016
A twist after a twist - O'Henry surely knows all his twists & turns.
March 27, 2017
Great suspense, easy predictions, but great to read. A reminder that kindness isn't always announced.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews