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Easy stories in english are a great way to enjoy interesting stories while improving your English reading skills. The Purple Dress is a beautiful short story by O. Henry, one of the most famous American short-story writers. He was known for his interesting characters, gentle humor, and surprising endings. His stories often show everyday life, human kindness, love, and friendship.
This story is about a young woman named Maida. She works in a small shop and dreams of wearing a beautiful purple dress for Thanksgiving. She saves money for eight months to buy it. However, just before the holiday, her friend Grace has a serious problem. Grace needs money to pay her rent, so Maida gives her the four dollars she has saved for her dress.
At first, Maida feels sad because she cannot wear her new dress to the Thanksgiving dinner. But the kind tailor gives her the dress and lets her pay later. Finally, Maida wears her beautiful purple dress and walks through the rainy streets. There, she meets Mr. Ramsay, and an interesting conversation begins.
This version of The Purple Dress has been rewritten especially for English learners at the A2 (Elementary) level. It uses simple vocabulary, clear sentences, and easy grammar. The story keeps the main events, characters, and humor of O. Henry’s original work. It is a good choice for learners who want to enjoy classic English literature while improving their language skills.
Why Should You Read This Story?
- Improve Your Reading Skills: Read an interesting story with simple English and clear sentences.
- Learn New Vocabulary: Discover useful words about clothes, money, friendship, feelings, work, and weather.
- Practise English Grammar: See how common English grammar structures work in a real story.
- Enjoy a Classic Story: Learn about O. Henry’s writing and enjoy his gentle humor.
- Learn About Kindness: See how Maida helps her friend, even when she has her own problems.
The Purple Dress is more than a story about a beautiful dress. It is a story about friendship, kindness, dreams, and the happiness that comes from helping others. Enjoy reading this classic story in easy English!
The Purple Dress has been carefully adapted and rewritten by LearnEnglish-new.com for A2 English learners. The original short story by O. Henry is in the public domain. This learner-friendly adaptation uses simple, clear English while preserving the main characters, important events, central conflict, gentle humor, and key message of the original story. It is designed to help A2 learners improve their reading skills, learn useful everyday vocabulary, practise English grammar, and enjoy reading a classic story in English. Enjoy reading and improve your English skills!
The Purple Dress
by O. Henry
Contents
Chapter One – A Dream in Purple
Chapter Two – Eight Months of Saving
Chapter Three – A Friend in Trouble
Chapter Four – Thanksgiving Without a Dress
Chapter Five – The Tailor’s Kindness
Chapter Six – The Purple Dress in the Rain
Chapter Seven – An Unexpected Meeting
Chapter One
A Dream in Purple
Purple was a very popular colour that autumn. People wore purple dresses, purple coats, and purple hats. You could see it everywhere in the streets. Some people loved it, while others preferred different colours. But Maida loved purple more than anything.
Maida worked in a small shop called the Bee-Hive Store. She was a young woman with big brown eyes and beautiful brown hair. She was kind and friendly, and she always tried to do her best at work.
One afternoon, Maida was talking to her friend Grace. They both worked in the same shop.
“I’m going to buy a beautiful purple dress for Thanksgiving,” Maida said happily.
Grace looked up from the gloves she was putting away.
“Oh, really? I don’t like purple very much,” she said. “I prefer red. You can see red dresses everywhere on Fifth Avenue. And men seem to like that colour.”
“I don’t care,” Maida answered. “I like purple best. People who don’t like it can look the other way!”
Grace laughed.
“You know, I think you want Mr. Ramsay to notice you.”
Maida looked at her friend.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I heard him say yesterday that he liked dark red dresses.”
“Well, I don’t care what he likes. I want purple!”
Grace smiled. She knew that Maida had a very strong opinion about colours.
But there was something else that made the two girls think about their dresses. It was Mr. Ramsay, the head clerk of the Bee-Hive Store.
He was a polite and friendly man. He never spoke badly to the girls or treated them without respect. When the shop was quiet, he sometimes told funny stories. The girls enjoyed listening to him.
Mr. Ramsay also had some very strange ideas about health. He believed that people should not make themselves too comfortable. He did not like warm clothes, medicine, or protection from cold weather. He thought people should go outside in the snow and rain without worrying too much.
The ten girls in the store often dreamed of marrying him. They knew that Mr. Ramsay might become a partner in the business the following year. Each girl hoped that one day he would choose her.
Maida and Grace were especially interested in looking beautiful at the Thanksgiving dinner. Maida wanted to wear purple, while Grace wanted to wear red.
Neither girl wanted to lose the chance to impress Mr. Ramsay.
Chapter 1 – Vocabulary
1. Popular /ˈpɒpjələ(r)/ — liked by many people.
Example: Purple was a very popular colour that autumn.
2. Autumn /ˈɔːtəm/ — the season between summer and winter.
Example: Purple was a very popular colour that autumn.
3. Prefer /prɪˈfɜː(r)/ — to like one thing more than another.
Example: I prefer red.
4. Beautiful /ˈbjuːtɪfəl/ — very nice to look at.
Example: I’m going to buy a beautiful purple dress for Thanksgiving.
5. Friendly /ˈfrendli/ — kind and nice to other people.
Example: She was kind and friendly, and she always tried to do her best at work.
6. Respect /rɪˈspekt/ — a feeling of being polite and kind to someone.
Example: He never spoke badly to the girls or treated them without respect.
7. Quiet /ˈkwaɪət/ — with little or no noise.
Example: When the shop was quiet, he sometimes told funny stories.
8. Dream /driːm/ — something you really want to happen.
Example: Maida had a dream of wearing a beautiful purple dress.
Chapter 1 – Comprehension Questions
1. What colour was very popular that autumn?
2. Where did Maida work?
3. What did Maida want to buy for Thanksgiving?
4. How long had Maida saved money for her new dress?
5. Why did Grace prefer red dresses?
6. Who was Mr. Ramsay?
7. What did Mr. Ramsay sometimes do when the shop was quiet?
8. Why did Maida and Grace want to look beautiful at the Thanksgiving dinner?
Chapter 1 – Grammar Exercises
1. Purple _____ a very popular colour that autumn.
A) were
B) was
C) are
2. Maida _____ in a small shop called the Bee-Hive Store.
A) worked
B) work
C) working
3. Maida is going _____ a beautiful purple dress for Thanksgiving.
A) buying
B) buy
C) to buy
4. Grace _____ red because she likes that colour more.
A) prefer
B) prefers
C) preferring
5. Mr. Ramsay sometimes told funny stories _____ the shop was quiet.
A) when
B) where
C) who
6. He never spoke _____ to the girls.
A) bad
B) badly
C) goodness
7. The girls enjoyed _____ to his funny stories.
A) listen
B) listened
C) listening
8. Maida and Grace wanted _____ beautiful at the Thanksgiving dinner.
A) look
B) looking
C) to look
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-C
Chapter Two
Eight Months of Saving
Maida had been thinking about her purple dress for a long time. For eight months, she saved almost every dollar she could.
She did not buy unnecessary things. She spent very little money on herself. Sometimes she wanted something nice to eat or a new little gift, but she remembered her dream and kept her money.
At last, she had saved eighteen dollars.
She used the money to buy beautiful purple cloth. She also paid four dollars to Schlegel, a tailor who promised to make the dress for her.
Schlegel was a good tailor. He worked carefully and knew how to make beautiful clothes.
Maida wanted a special dress. It would have a long, pretty skirt and a beautiful jacket. There would be white cloth around the collar and small decorations on the sleeves.
She often visited Schlegel’s shop to ask about her dress.
“Is it nearly ready?” she asked one day.
“Soon, soon,” he answered. “You will see. It will be very nice.”
Maida smiled and looked forward to Thanksgiving.
She still needed four more dollars to pay Schlegel. She planned to give him the money on the day before Thanksgiving.
Then she would have her beautiful new dress.
The Bee-Hive Store had a special Thanksgiving tradition. Every year, the owner, old Bachman, gave a big dinner for all his workers.
The dinner took place inside the store. The workers moved things around and put a long table in the middle of the room. They covered the front windows with paper so people outside could not see inside.
The food came from a restaurant nearby. There were large turkeys, vegetables, and many other delicious dishes.
Mr. Ramsay organized the dinner. After eating, the workers usually enjoyed music and dancing. Two Italian musicians came to play the violin and harp.
Everyone looked forward to this special day.
Maida imagined herself arriving in her new purple dress. She could almost see the other girls looking at her.
Perhaps Mr. Ramsay would notice how beautiful she looked.
She knew exactly what she wanted. After eight months of waiting and saving, she would finally have her dream dress.
Nothing could make her happier.
At least, that was what she believed.
Chapter 2 – Vocabulary
- Almost /ˈɔːlməʊst/ — nearly, but not completely.
Example: For eight months, she saved almost every dollar she could. - Spent /spent/ — used money to buy something.
Example: She spent very little money on herself. - Gift /ɡɪft/ — something that you give to another person.
Example: Sometimes she wanted something nice to eat or a new little gift, but she remembered her dream and kept her money. - Saved /seɪvd/ — kept money instead of spending it.
Example: At last, she had saved eighteen dollars.
- Cloth /klɒθ/ — material used for making clothes.
Example: She used the money to buy beautiful purple cloth. - Tailor /ˈteɪlə(r)/ — a person who makes or repairs clothes.
Example: She also paid four dollars to Schlegel, a tailor who promised to make the dress for her. - Carefully /ˈkeəfəli/ — in a way that gives attention to details.
Example: He worked carefully and knew how to make beautiful clothes. - Collar /ˈkɒlə(r)/ — the part of a shirt or dress around the neck.
Example: There would be white cloth around the collar and small decorations on the sleeves.
Chapter 2 – Comprehension Questions
1. How long did Maida save money for her purple dress?
2. How much money did Maida save?
3. Why did Maida try not to spend money on herself?
4. What did Maida buy with her savings?
5. How much money did she pay to Schlegel, the tailor?
6. How much money did Maida still need to pay the tailor?
7. What colour was the cloth Maida chose for her dress?
8. What did Maida want to have around the collar and on the sleeves of her dress?
Chapter 2 – Grammar Exercises
1. Maida _____ money for eight months to buy her purple dress.
A) save
B) saved
C) saving
2. She _____ very little money on herself.
A) spends
B) spending
C) spent
3. Maida wanted _____ a beautiful purple dress.
A) to buy
B) buying
C) bought
4. She had saved eighteen dollars _____ eight months.
A) since
B) for
C) at
5. She used the money _____ beautiful purple cloth.
A) buy
B) buying
C) to buy
6. Maida paid four dollars _____ the tailor.
A) to
B) at
C) on
7. Schlegel worked _____ on the dress.
A) careful
B) carefully
C) care
8. There _____ white cloth around the collar of the dress.
A) were
B) are
C) was
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C, 6-A, 7-B, 8-C
Chapter Three
A Friend in Trouble
The evening before Thanksgiving arrived.
Maida left the Bee-Hive Store and hurried home. She was excited because she had almost everything ready. She only needed to collect her four dollars and take them to Schlegel.
She imagined the next day again and again. She would wear her purple dress, enjoy the dinner, and spend a wonderful holiday with her friends.
But when she reached her house, she heard angry voices in the hallway.
The landlady was shouting.
Maida went into her room and put her things down. A moment later, Grace came into the room.
Her eyes were red, and tears were running down her face.
“What’s wrong, Grace?” Maida asked.
“The landlady wants me to leave!” Grace cried.
“Why? What happened?”
“I owe her four dollars for the rent. She says she has waited long enough. She has taken my trunk out of my room and locked the door.”
Maida was surprised.
“But where will you go?”
“I don’t know,” Grace answered. “I have no money left. I can’t find another place tonight.”
Maida looked at her friend with concern.
“Didn’t you have some money yesterday?”
Grace wiped her eyes.
“Yes, but I spent it on my new dress. I thought the landlady would wait until next week. I wanted to wear it to the Thanksgiving dinner.”
She began to cry again.
Maida understood the problem. Grace needed four dollars immediately. Without that money, she might have nowhere to sleep.
For a moment, Maida thought about the four dollars in her drawer.
That was the money she needed for her purple dress. She had saved it carefully for eight months. Tomorrow was the most important day of the year for her.
But Grace was standing in front of her, crying and frightened.
Maida opened the drawer and took out a small piece of paper. Her four dollars were wrapped inside it.
“Here, Grace,” she said, giving her the money.
Grace looked at the dollars in surprise.
“Are you giving me this money?”
“Yes. Go and pay the rent.”
“But Maida! This is your dress money!”
“Don’t worry about the dress. You need a room tonight.”
Grace took the money and held Maida’s hands.
“You are wonderful! I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Just go and speak to the landlady. Everything will be all right.”
Grace quickly left the room.
A few minutes later, she returned with a happy face.
“It’s all right now! She has given me my room back. Thank you, darling!”
Then Grace remembered something.
“Come upstairs and see my dress. It is beautiful! I promise to pay you back one dollar every week.”
Maida smiled.
“That’s all right. Don’t worry about it.”
Grace went upstairs, full of happiness.
Maida sat quietly in her room.
Her four dollars were gone.
And her purple dress was still waiting at the tailor’s shop.
Chapter 3 – Vocabulary
- Arrive /əˈraɪv/ — to reach a place.
Example: The evening before Thanksgiving arrived. - Hurry /ˈhʌri/ — to move or do something quickly.
Example: Maida left the Bee-Hive Store and hurried home. - Landlady /ˈlændˌleɪdi/ — a woman who owns a house or room that people rent.
Example: The landlady was shouting. - Owe /əʊ/ — to need to pay money to someone.
Example: “I owe her four dollars for the rent.”
- Rent /rent/ — money paid regularly to live in a house or room.
Example: “I owe her four dollars for the rent.” - Frightened /ˈfraɪtnd/ — feeling afraid or worried.
Example: But Grace was standing in front of her, crying and frightened. - Drawer /drɔː(r)/ — a part of a desk or piece of furniture that slides in and out.
Example: For a moment, Maida thought about the four dollars in her drawer. - Promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ — to say that you will certainly do something.
Example: “I promise to pay you back one dollar every week.”
Chapter 3 – Comprehension Questions
1. Where did Maida go after leaving the Bee-Hive Store?
2. Why was Maida excited about the next day?
3. Why was Grace crying when she entered the room?
4. How much money did Grace owe the landlady?
5. Why had Grace spent her money?
6. What did the landlady do with Grace’s trunk and room?
7. Why did Maida give her four dollars to Grace?
8. How did Grace thank Maida for helping her?
Chapter 3 – Grammar Exercises
1. Maida _____ home after leaving the Bee-Hive Store.
A) hurry
B) hurried
C) hurrying
2. Grace _____ into the room a moment later.
A) come
B) coming
C) came
3. The landlady wanted Grace _____ the house.
A) leave
B) to leave
C) leaving
4. Grace _____ the landlady four dollars in rent.
A) owe
B) owed
C) owing
5. Grace spent her money _____ her new dress.
A) on
B) at
C) to
6. Maida opened the drawer and _____ out the money.
A) take
B) taking
C) took
7. Maida gave Grace four dollars _____ help her.
A) because
B) to
C) but
8. Grace promised _____ Maida back one dollar every week.
A) pay
B) paying
C) to pay
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-B, 5-A, 6-C, 7-B, 8-C
Chapter Four
Thanksgiving Without a Dress
Thanksgiving morning arrived.
The weather was cold, and the streets were full of people preparing for the holiday.
At the Bee-Hive Store, everyone was getting ready for the big dinner. The long table was waiting, and the delicious smell of food filled the room.
At a quarter to twelve, Grace came into Maida’s room.
She was wearing her new red dress.
It looked wonderful on her. The dress fitted her perfectly, and its small decorations made it even more beautiful.
“Look at me!” Grace said happily. “What do you think?”
“You look lovely,” Maida answered.
Grace turned around.
“Look at the back! Doesn’t it fit well? And these little velvet decorations are beautiful, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are,” Maida said with a smile.
Then Grace noticed that Maida was still wearing her old clothes.
“Goodness! Why aren’t you dressed yet?”
Maida looked down.
“My dress isn’t ready. I’m not going to the dinner.”
Grace’s happy expression changed.
“Oh, Maida! That’s terrible. I’m really sorry.”
“It’s all right,” Maida said quietly.
“But why don’t you come anyway? You can wear something else. The others won’t mind.”
Maida shook her head.
“No. I wanted to wear my purple dress. If I can’t wear it, I don’t want to go.”
Grace looked at her friend for a moment.
“Well, I hope you won’t be too sad. I have to go now, or I’ll be late.”
“Have a lovely time, Grace. You look very nice in red.”
Grace left the room.
Maida walked to the window and sat down.
Outside, people were hurrying along the streets. Some carried bags of food, while others were visiting friends and family.
Maida imagined the dinner at the store.
She could almost hear the girls laughing and talking. She imagined them enjoying the turkey and other delicious food. She could see old Bachman telling his funny stories.
And she imagined Mr. Ramsay walking around the room, making sure everyone was happy.
Perhaps he would notice that she was not there.
Perhaps he would ask Grace about her.
Maida tried not to think about it, but it was difficult.
She had spent eight months saving for her beautiful purple dress. Now she could not even wear it to the dinner.
The morning passed slowly.
At last, she stood up and decided to visit Schlegel.
She had to tell him that she could not pay the remaining four dollars.
Chapter 4 – Vocabulary
- Prepare /prɪˈpeə(r)/ — to get ready for something.
Example: The weather was cold, and the streets were full of people preparing for the holiday. - Delicious /dɪˈlɪʃəs/ — having a very good taste.
Example: The delicious smell of food filled the room. - Fit /fɪt/ — to be the right size or shape for someone.
Example: The dress fitted her perfectly, and its small decorations made it even more beautiful. - Decoration /ˌdekəˈreɪʃn/ — something used to make a person or place look more beautiful.
Example: The dress fitted her perfectly, and its small decorations made it even more beautiful.
- Expression /ɪkˈspreʃn/ — the look on someone’s face that shows how they feel.
Example: Grace’s happy expression changed. - Mind /maɪnd/ — to feel worried or unhappy about something.
Example: “The others won’t mind.” - Imagine /ɪˈmædʒɪn/ — to make a picture or idea in your mind.
Example: Maida imagined the dinner at the store. - Remaining /rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/ — still left after some has been used or taken.
Example: She had to tell him that she could not pay the remaining four dollars.
Chapter 4 – Comprehension Questions
1. What was the weather like on Thanksgiving morning?
2. What was everyone preparing for at the Bee-Hive Store?
3. What colour was Grace’s new dress?
4. How did Grace’s dress fit her?
5. Why wasn’t Maida dressed for the Thanksgiving dinner?
6. Why did Maida refuse to wear another dress and attend the dinner?
7. What did Maida imagine while she was sitting by the window?
8. Why did Maida decide to visit Schlegel at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 4 – Grammar Exercises
1. The weather _____ cold on Thanksgiving morning.
A) were
B) was
C) are
2. Everyone _____ ready for the big dinner when Grace arrived.
A) was getting
B) were getting
C) getting
3. Grace _____ her new red dress when she entered the room.
A) wear
B) wearing
C) was wearing
4. The dress _____ her perfectly when she tried it on.
A) fitted
B) fitting
C) fits
5. Maida decided _____ to the Thanksgiving dinner.
A) not go
B) not to go
C) not going
6. Grace said the others _____ mind if Maida wore something else.
A) wouldn’t
B) doesn’t
C) wasn’t
7. Maida imagined the girls _____ and talking at the dinner.
A) laugh
B) laughed
C) laughing
8. Maida could not pay the _____ four dollars.
A) remain
B) remaining
C) remained
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-A, 5-B, 6-A, 7-C, 8-B
Chapter Five
The Tailor’s Kindness
It was four o’clock in the afternoon when Maida arrived at Schlegel’s shop.
She walked slowly through the door. Her face looked sad, and she did not smile as she usually did.
Schlegel looked up from his work.
“Hello, Miss Maida! Your dress is ready!”
Maida looked at the beautiful purple dress hanging nearby.
It was even more lovely than she had imagined.
“Mr. Schlegel,” she began, “I’m very sorry, but I cannot pay you the four dollars today.”
Schlegel looked at her in surprise.
“Why are you looking so sad? What is the matter?”
“I had to give the money to a friend. She needed it to pay her rent.”
Schlegel listened carefully.
Maida continued.
“I know we agreed that I would pay you today. But I don’t have the money now. I’m sorry.”
For a moment, Schlegel said nothing.
Then he looked at her and smiled.
“Gott! Is that all? Take the dress!”
Maida could hardly believe her ears.
“But I haven’t paid you.”
“You can pay me later,” he said. “I have seen you pass my shop every day for two years. I know you. You will pay when you can.”
Maida looked at him with grateful eyes.
“Are you really sure?”
“Of course! The dress is ready. It is beautiful, and you will look beautiful in it. Take it home!”
Schlegel carefully took the dress from its place and gave it to her.
Maida held it close to herself.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Schlegel. I will never forget your kindness.”
“That’s all right. Now go and enjoy your holiday!”
Maida left the shop with the dress in her arms.
She felt as if a great weight had disappeared from her heart.
She had helped Grace, and now Schlegel had helped her.
There was still a little sadness inside her. She had missed the dinner, and she could not enjoy the day with her friends. But she had her purple dress at last.
As she stepped outside, a cold drop of rain touched her face. She looked up at the sky.
Dark clouds covered the streets, and the rain was beginning to fall.
Maida smiled. She did not care about the rain.
She had something much more important to think about.
Chapter 5 – Vocabulary
- Arrive /əˈraɪv/ — to reach a place.
Example: It was four o’clock in the afternoon when Maida arrived at Schlegel’s shop. - Nearby /ˌnɪəˈbaɪ/ — not far away; close to someone or something.
Example: Maida looked at the beautiful purple dress hanging nearby. - Matter /ˈmætə(r)/ — a problem or situation that needs attention.
Example: “Why are you looking so sad? What is the matter?” - Agree /əˈɡriː/ — to have the same opinion or accept a plan.
Example: “I know we agreed that I would pay you today.”
- Carefully /ˈkeəfəli/ — in a way that avoids damage or mistakes.
Example: Schlegel carefully took the dress from its place and gave it to her. - Grateful /ˈɡreɪtfəl/ — feeling or showing that you are thankful.
Example: Maida looked at him with grateful eyes. - Kindness /ˈkaɪndnəs/ — the quality of being friendly, helpful, and caring.
Example: “I will never forget your kindness.” - Disappear /ˌdɪsəˈpɪə(r)/ — to stop being seen or to go away.
Example: She felt as if a great weight had disappeared from her heart.
Chapter 5 – Comprehension Questions
1. What time did Maida arrive at Schlegel’s shop?
2. What was waiting for Maida at the tailor’s shop?
3. Why couldn’t Maida pay Schlegel four dollars that day?
4. How did Schlegel react when Maida explained her problem?
5. Why did Schlegel trust Maida to pay him later?
6. What did Schlegel tell Maida to do with the purple dress?
7. How did Maida feel after leaving Schlegel’s shop?
8. What happened to the weather when Maida stepped outside?
Chapter 5 – Grammar Exercises
1. Maida _____ at Schlegel’s shop at four o’clock.
A) arrive
B) arrived
C) arriving
2. Her face _____ sad when she entered the shop.
A) look
B) looking
C) looked
3. Maida _____ pay Schlegel because she had given her money to Grace.
A) couldn’t
B) doesn’t
C) isn’t
4. Schlegel told Maida _____ the dress home.
A) take
B) taking
C) to take
5. Maida thanked Schlegel _____ his kindness.
A) for
B) at
C) on
6. Schlegel _____ the dress from its place and gave it to Maida.
A) take
B) took
C) taking
7. Schlegel _____ Maida because he understood her problem.
A) help
B) helping
C) helped
8. The rain _____ to fall as Maida stepped outside.
A) began
B) begin
C) beginning
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-C, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-A
Chapter Six
The Purple Dress in the Rain
At five o’clock, Maida went out wearing her new purple dress.
She looked beautiful.
The dress fitted her perfectly. Its purple cloth looked rich and bright, even under the dark sky. The white collar made a lovely contrast with the deep colour.
Maida walked along the street with a happy smile.
But the weather was getting worse.
The rain fell harder and harder. People hurried home, holding their umbrellas tightly. Some wore long coats and warm shoes. Others quickly got into waiting cars.
They looked at Maida with surprise.
Why was this young woman walking in such heavy rain?
She had no umbrella. She had no warm shoes. The rain fell on her hair and ran down her hands.
But Maida did not hurry.
She walked calmly through the streets, as if she were walking through a beautiful garden on a warm summer day.
She was finally wearing the dress she had dreamed about for eight months.
For people with plenty of money, this might seem strange. They could buy new clothes whenever they wanted. They could have many dresses in different colours.
But Maida was different.
She worked hard for every dollar. She had to save money for months to buy something beautiful.
For eight long months, she had waited for this moment.
And now she had it.
What did the rain matter?
What did the cold matter?
She was wearing her purple dress, and nothing could take away her happiness.
The rain ran down her face and dripped from her fingers. Her dress became wet, but she did not seem to notice.
People continued to stare at her as she passed.
Some probably thought she was foolish. Others wondered why she was so happy in such terrible weather.
But Maida knew the reason.
Her heart was full of joy.
She had given away her last four dollars to help Grace. Schlegel had trusted her and allowed her to take the dress. And now she could finally enjoy the thing she had wanted for so long.
For one afternoon, she did not want to think about money, problems, or disappointment.
She only wanted to walk and enjoy her beautiful dress.
Chapter 6 – Vocabulary
- Bright /braɪt/ — full of light or having a strong, clear colour.
Example: Its purple cloth looked rich and bright, even under the dark sky. - Contrast /ˈkɒntrɑːst/ — a clear difference between two things.
Example: The white collar made a lovely contrast with the deep colour. - Heavy /ˈhevi/ — strong or falling in large amounts; used to describe rain.
Example: Why was this young woman walking in such heavy rain? - Calmly /ˈkɑːmli/ — in a quiet and relaxed way.
Example: She walked calmly through the streets, as if she were walking through a beautiful garden on a warm summer day.
- Strange /streɪndʒ/ — unusual or different from what is normal.
Example: For people with plenty of money, this might seem strange. - Foolish /ˈfuːlɪʃ/ — not sensible; showing poor judgment.
Example: Some probably thought she was foolish. - Wonder /ˈwʌndə(r)/ — to think about something because you want to know more.
Example: Others wondered why she was so happy in such terrible weather. - Disappointment /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/ — the feeling of sadness when something does not happen as you hoped.
Example: For one afternoon, she did not want to think about money, problems, or disappointment.
Chapter 6 – Comprehension Questions
1. What time did Maida go out wearing her new purple dress?
2. How did Maida look in her new dress?
3. What made the purple dress look beautiful under the dark sky?
4. How did people react when they saw Maida walking in the heavy rain?
5. Why did Maida walk calmly instead of hurrying home?
6. How long had Maida waited to wear her purple dress?
7. Why did some people probably think Maida was foolish?
8. What made Maida feel so happy despite the cold and heavy rain?
Chapter 6 – Grammar Exercises
1. At five o’clock, Maida _____ out wearing her new purple dress.
A) go
B) went
C) goes
2. When Maida went out, the dress _____ her perfectly.
A) fit
B) fits
C) fitting
3. The rain _____ harder and harder.
A) fall
B) fell
C) falling
4. People _____ home, holding their umbrellas tightly.
A) hurried
B) hurry
C) hurrying
5. Maida did not _____ because she wanted to enjoy her dress.
A) hurried
B) hurry
C) hurrying
6. Some people probably _____ that Maida was foolish.
A) think
B) thought
C) thinking
7. She did not want _____ about money, problems, or disappointment.
A) think
B) thinking
C) to think
8. Nothing could _____ away her happiness.
A) take
B) took
C) taking
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-A, 3-B, 4-A, 5-B, 6-B, 7-C, 8-A
Chapter Seven
An Unexpected Meeting
Maida turned a corner and suddenly stopped.
Someone was standing in front of her.
It was Mr. Ramsay.
He looked at her purple dress with great interest. His eyes showed surprise and admiration.
“Miss Maida!” he said. “Is that really you?”
Maida smiled shyly.
“Yes, Mr. Ramsay.”
“My goodness! You look wonderful in that dress!”
Maida felt her cheeks become warm.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Mr. Ramsay looked at her again.
“I was very disappointed that you didn’t come to our Thanksgiving dinner. We all missed you.”
Maida did not know what to say.
She was happy to hear that he had noticed her absence.
Mr. Ramsay continued.
“You know, Miss Maida, I have met many girls, but you are one of the most sensible and intelligent people I know.”
Maida looked at him in surprise.
“Really?”
“Of course! Just look at you. You are walking through this terrible weather without an umbrella or warm shoes. That is exactly what people should do!”
He smiled proudly, as if he had just explained an important lesson.
“There is nothing better for your health than going outside in the rain. People worry too much about getting cold. They wear too many warm clothes and stay inside whenever the weather is bad.”
Maida listened to him.
She was not sure what to say.
Mr. Ramsay had no idea why she was walking in the rain. He thought she was following his strange ideas about health.
In fact, she was simply enjoying her new dress.
But Maida did not explain anything.
Mr. Ramsay looked at her kindly.
“May I walk with you?”
Maida blushed.
She opened her mouth to answer, but suddenly—
“Achoo!”
She sneezed.
Mr. Ramsay smiled.
And the rain continued to fall over the city.
Maida held her purple dress carefully and walked beside him, feeling happier than she had felt in many months.
The End
Read the original story: americanliterature.com
Chapter 7 – Vocabulary
- Suddenly /ˈsʌdənli/ — quickly and unexpectedly; without warning.
Example: Maida turned a corner and suddenly stopped. - Interest /ˈɪntrəst/ — a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something.
Example: He looked at her purple dress with great interest. - Admiration /ˌædməˈreɪʃn/ — a feeling of respect and approval for someone or something.
Example: His eyes showed surprise and admiration. - Shyly /ˈʃaɪli/ — in a nervous or quiet way because you feel embarrassed.
Example: Maida smiled shyly.
- Disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/ — unhappy because something did not happen as you hoped.
Example: “I was very disappointed that you didn’t come to our Thanksgiving dinner.” - Sensible /ˈsensəbl/ — showing good judgment and making wise decisions.
Example: “You are one of the most sensible and intelligent people I know.” - Blush /blʌʃ/ — to become red in the face because you feel shy or embarrassed.
Example: Maida blushed. - Sneezed /sniːzd/ — suddenly pushed air out through the nose and mouth.
Example: She opened her mouth to answer, but suddenly—
“Achoo!”
She sneezed.
Chapter 7 – Comprehension Questions
1. Who did Maida meet when she turned the corner?
2. How did Mr. Ramsay react when he saw Maida in her purple dress?
3. What did Mr. Ramsay say about Maida’s appearance?
4. Why was Mr. Ramsay disappointed with Maida?
5. What did Mr. Ramsay think about Maida’s behaviour in the rain?
6. Why did Mr. Ramsay believe Maida was walking in the rain?
7. What did Mr. Ramsay ask Maida when they were talking?
8. What happened just before Maida could answer his question?
Chapter 7 – Grammar Exercises
Choose the correct answer: A, B, or C.
1. Maida _____ a corner and suddenly stopped.
A) turn
B) turned
C) turning
2. Mr. Ramsay _____ at Maida’s purple dress with great interest.
A) look
B) looked
C) looking
3. Maida smiled _____ when she saw Mr. Ramsay.
A) shy
B) shyly
C) shyness
4. Mr. Ramsay was disappointed because Maida _____ to the Thanksgiving dinner.
A) doesn’t come
B) didn’t come
C) not came
5. Mr. Ramsay _____ many girls.
A) meet
B) met
C) meeting
6. Mr. Ramsay thought Maida _____ his ideas about health.
A) followed
B) following
C) follow
7. Mr. Ramsay asked, “_____ I walk with you?”
A) May
B) Did
C) Was
8. Maida opened her mouth to answer, but suddenly she _____.
A) sneeze
B) sneezing
C) sneezed
ANSWER KEY
1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-A, 7-A, 8-C