Short Fiction by O. Henry

Slightly Mixed

Words you’ll meet in this part (8)
filly
A young female horse, typically under four years old.
thoroughbred
A purebred animal, especially a horse, with documented lineage.
trotting
A gait of a horse or other quadruped where the legs move in diagonal pairs.
inquire
To ask for information.
trots
A gait of a horse, faster than a walk but slower than a canter.
daisy
A small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
trifle
A small, unimportant matter or thing.
indelicate
Lacking sensitivity or tact; improper or offensive.

Short Fiction by O. Henry 8 new words

Slightly Mixed

A certain Houston racing man was married some months ago. He also is the proud possessor of a fine two-year-old that has made five and a half furlongs in 1:09 and he expects her to do better at the next races. He has named the after his wife and both of them are dear to his heart. A Post man who ran across him yesterday found him quite willing to talk.

“Yes,” he said, “I am the happiest man in Texas. Bessie and I are keeping house now and getting quite well settled down. That filly of mine is going to do wonders yet. Bessie takes as much interest in her as I do. You know I have named her for my wife. She is a . I tell you it’s fine to see her around at home.”

“Who, the filly?”

“No, my wife. She’s going to bet twelve dozen pairs of kid gloves on Bessie next time she goes in. I have but one objection to her. She goes with her head on one side and is cross-legged, and tears off her shoes.

“Your w-w-wife?”

“No, what’s the matter with you? The filly. It pleases me very much to have my friends about Bessie. She is getting to be quite a favorite. I had hard work to get her, too. She double without a break.”

“The filly, you mean?”

“No, my wife. I took Bessie out driving with the filly yesterday. Bessie’s a . She’s a little high in one shoulder, and a stiff in one leg, but her wind is all right. What do you think of her back?”

“Really, I—I—I never had the pleasure of meeting your wife, but I have no doubt—”

“What are you talking about? I mean the filly. The races come off just on the anniversary of our marriage. The races are going to be a big thing. You know we have been married just a year. I expect Bessie to do wonders. There’s a newcomer going to be here, that we are looking for with much interest. You must really come out and see our first event.”

“I—I—I really, it would be —you must really excuse me. I never saw anything of the kind. I—I—”

“Oh, there’s nothing wrong about horse racing. It’s fine sport. So long now. I’ve got to go and take Bessie out and sweat her a little.”

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