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"The Skylight Room" from O. Henry's story collection The Four Million was published in 1906. In these stories, O. Henry introduces us to a variety of ordinary people living and working in New York City in the early part of the 20th Century.

He is known as one of the great American storytellers and his stories often have unexpected endings as this one does.

In this story we meet the people living in Mrs. Parker's rooming house. The most recent arrival is Miss Elsie Leeson, "just a poor working girl" who names and talks to a star that she can see through the skylight in her tiny room. That star brings her hope especially when her situation seems hopeless.

Notice In the final line of the story, the name of the ambulance doctor: William Jackson.

"The Skylight Room" from O. Henry's story collection The Four Million, was published in 1906 and is in the public domain.

A Look Ahead:

Coming on Wednesday, March 25th: "Three Fables" by Aesop

And on Wednesday, April 1st: "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy

I would love to hear from you.

You can reach me at greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com

Let me know what stories you remember or what you’d might like to hear next.

This is Great Stories Well Told — timeless stories, simply told.

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