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Free Graded Readers – “Girl” By O. Henry – Free Download
The story “Girl” by O. Henry was first published in the early 20th century, when the author was at the height of his writing career. At that time, New York City was growing quickly, with new offices, apartments, and people arriving every day. O. Henry often used this busy city as the background for his stories. “Girl” shows how love, promises, and secrets can change the lives of ordinary people.
The author of this story is O. Henry (1862–1910). His real name was William Sydney Porter. He wrote more than 300 short stories. His works are famous because they are short, simple, and full of surprise endings. Many of his stories describe everyday men and women in New York City—their dreams, problems, and choices.
This version of “Girl” is rewritten in easy English for Level 2 learners (A2–B1). The sentences are short, the grammar is simple, and the vocabulary is clear. It is part of our Free Graded Readers collection. The story helps learners practice reading, build vocabulary, and enjoy a classic tale with O. Henry’s famous surprise twist.
This story was rewritten by LearnEnglish-new.com for English learners. Enjoy reading the story and improve your English skills!
“Girl”
By O. Henry
Contents
Chapter One: The Search Begins
Chapter Two: A Difficult Decision
Chapter Three: The Truth at Home
Chapter Four: A Lesson Learned
Chapter One
The Search Begins
It was after 5 o’clock in a tall office building in New York City. Most workers had gone home. The cleaning ladies were arriving. Warm air came through the windows. It smelled like lemons, smoke, and old oil.
In office number 962, two names were written on the door: “Robbins & Hartley, Brokers.”
Mr. Robbins was an older man. He liked the city, theater, and parties. Mr. Hartley was younger—only 29. He was serious, thin, and quiet. He lived outside the city.
“It’s going to be hot tonight,” said Robbins. “You people in the suburbs are lucky. Moonlight, cold drinks, peace.”
Hartley gave a small smile. “Yes. It’s cooler in Floralhurst. Especially in winter.”
Just then, a man walked in. He looked mysterious. He leaned close to Hartley and whispered: “I found where she lives.”
Robbins grabbed his hat and left. Now Hartley and the man were alone. “Here is the address,” said the man, now in a normal voice. He gave Hartley a small piece of paper.
Hartley read the words: “Vivienne Arlington, No. 341 East —th Street, care of Mrs. McComus.”
Hartley paid and left. He took a Broadway streetcar, then another one going east. He walked down an old street. Many of the buildings were falling apart. He stopped at a new apartment house called The Vallambrosa.
He pressed the button that said McComus. The door clicked, and he went in. He climbed the stairs, looking for Vivienne. On the fourth floor, he saw her standing in the doorway.
She smiled brightly. “Come in,” she said. She placed a chair for him near the window. She sat on the edge of a strange piece of furniture, part chair, part bed.
Hartley looked at her. She was beautiful. Her hair was golden red. Her eyes were deep blue. Her skin was white and soft. She looked calm, like a mermaid. She wore a white blouse and dark skirt.
Chapter Two
A Difficult Decision
Hartley looked into Vivienne’s eyes. “You didn’t answer my last letter,” he said.
Vivienne looked out the window. Her voice was soft. “I didn’t know what to say.”
She continued, “Your offer is good. Maybe I can be happy with you. But I’m a city girl. I don’t know if I can live in the quiet suburbs.”
Hartley smiled gently. “You can visit the city whenever you want. Shopping, theaters, your friends—anything. You’ll have everything you need.”
Vivienne turned and smiled. Her eyes were open and honest. “I believe you. You are a kind man. Any girl would be lucky. I heard all about you at the Montgomerys’.”
Hartley’s eyes lit up. “I remember that night! Mrs. Montgomery talked about you all evening. She was right. You’re amazing.”
He took her hand. “Vivienne, please. Come with me. I want to make you happy. You will never regret it.”
Vivienne looked down at her hands. She was silent for a moment.
Then Hartley asked, a bit nervous, “Vivienne… is there someone else?”
A red color came to her cheeks.
“You shouldn’t ask,” she said. “But yes… there is one other. I made no promises.”
“His name?” asked Hartley.
“Townsend.”
Hartley’s face changed. “Rafford Townsend! I helped that man! How did he meet you?”
Vivienne looked out the window again. “His car is downstairs. He’s here. He wants my answer.”
The kitchen bell rang. Vivienne pressed the door button.
“Stay here,” said Hartley. “I’ll speak to him.”
Townsend ran up the stairs. He saw Hartley and stopped. “Hello! What are you doing here?”
“Go back,” said Hartley. “This is not your place.”
“I came to see a plumber,” said Townsend, pretending.
“Go,” Hartley repeated. Townsend looked angry but left.
Hartley returned to Vivienne. “Vivienne, I want you. No more delays.”
“When do you want me to come?” she asked.
“Now. As soon as possible.”
Vivienne looked into his eyes. “I will not come while Hloise is still in your house.”
Hartley was shocked. He walked the room, thinking.
“You’re right. Hloise makes life hard. I will send her away. Today.”
Vivienne asked softly, “Really? Tonight?”
“Yes. Tonight. I promise.”
She smiled warmly. “Then my answer is yes.”
Hartley almost couldn’t believe it. “Promise me—on your word and honour.”
“On my word and honour,” said Vivienne.
He smiled. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” she repeated.
Chapter Three
The Truth at Home
Hartley took the train back to Floralhurst. The trip took an hour and forty minutes. Then he walked ten minutes to his house.
His house was big and beautiful. The lawn was green. Flowers were everywhere. But Hartley did not look happy.
Near the house, a woman ran out to meet him. Her long black hair was in braids. She wore a white dress.
She hugged him. “Mamma is here! But there’s no dinner.”
Hartley smiled weakly. “I need to tell you something,” he said.
“Tell me quickly,” she said. “She will leave soon. The car is coming.”
Hartley leaned down and whispered in her ear.
The woman screamed.
Her mother came running. “What is it?”
The woman screamed again, but this time with joy.
“Oh, mamma!” she cried. “Guess what? Vivienne is coming to cook for us! She stayed with the Montgomerys for a year. Now she will be our cook!”
Then she turned to Hartley. “Billy, go and fire Hloise. She’s drunk again today.”
Hartley stood still. He looked both surprised and embarrassed. He had promised Vivienne that Hloise would go.
And now… Vivienne was not going to be his wife. She was only coming as their new cook.
Chapter Four
A Lesson Learned
That night, Hartley sat alone in his study.
The house was quiet. Outside, crickets sang in the grass. A soft breeze moved the curtains.
But inside, Hartley’s heart was heavy.
He thought about Vivienne. He thought about his promise. He had told her that Hloise would be gone.
But now, Vivienne would come as a cook. Not as his love. Not as his future wife.
He remembered how proud he felt earlier. He thought he could control everything. He wanted Vivienne to love him. But he had not told her the full truth.
She didn’t know he was already married.
He sighed deeply.
“Maybe I got what I deserved,” he whispered to himself.
He heard voices downstairs. His wife was laughing with her mother. They were talking about Vivienne.
“She will be perfect,” said his wife. “I hope she can start tomorrow.”
Hartley stood by the window. The stars above looked cold.
He wondered if Vivienne ever truly wanted him, or just a better job.
But he also wondered about himself. Why did he hide the truth? Why did he want more than what he already had?
His dream was gone. But maybe that was better. Maybe now he could learn to be honest—with others and with himself.
He turned off the light and went to bed.
Tomorrow, Vivienne would come.
But not for love.
Not for romance.
Only to cook.
— THE END –
The Original Version of the Story: americanliterature.com
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