Henry’s Short Story ‘From the Cabby’s Seat’

In a delightful slice of life, a cabby fails to enjoy a cab ride with a young lady.

“Street Scene with Hansom Cab,” 1887, by Childe Hassam. Public Domain

In his short story “From the Cabby’s Seat,” O. Henry shows the busy schedule and constant motion of a cabby’s life. Yet despite all of the noise and movement, Henry demonstrates the need to be present, for important facts can otherwise go unnoticed.

Jerry O’Donovan’s cab sits along the side of the road one evening, while nearby, a party for Norah Walsh’s marriage is being held. The curbside teems with people, wedding guests, and passersby. Amongst the throng, O'Donovan’s hat can be seen bobbing up and down.

Atop the Cab

As the crowd continues to sway and move along the curb, O’Donovan notices a young woman step up to his cab. In an instant, he is at the cab ushering her inside.