Summary

An old man, Larry, tells the story of Henry Conran, an alcoholic. Henry leaves his wife, and his son, Aloysius, works hard to buy the house, and also found jobs for many of his siblings. Aloysius gets married, and his fiancé suggests they mention his father in the wedding announcement as “deceased.” But Henry is not dead, and he goes to the narrator when the news of Aloysius’ marriage reaches him. Since his disappearance many years ago, Henry has become an American citizen. He wants to take his wife to court over the announcement for defamation of character. Larry takes him to see Nellie, the wife, and even though he’s still furious with her, she talks him into going to bed. His daughters arrive, but Nellie sends them away.

Analysis

This is another satirical story that contrasts sharply with the short story...