Thursday, June 16: Femme Fatale
A STORY TO REMEMBER
Deborah Elliott-Upton
For several years I have been trying to track down a short story I read in either 9th or 10th grade of high school. I couldn’t forget the story of two burglars with the delightful twist ending. I thought I remembered the title of “Clothes Make the Man,” but even my best-read friends didn’t recognize the story I wanted to desperately find and read again. I searched the Internet and assumed I must have the title wrong and I had no idea of the author’s name. If anything humbles a writer, it’s the truth that our words are more important to the reader than remembering who wrote them. It’s my opinion that until you have a huge name recognition, your words better be your best. If you are already a big name out there in the literary world, to keep your reputation, your words still better be your best.
I noticed in our local newspaper last fall that my high school English teacher and her husband were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I sent her a copy of the newspaper clipping and told her how she’d been my favorite teacher. Although it was a long shot, I asked if she remembered the story and where I might find a copy. To my surprise, in yesterday’s inbox I found an e-mail from her. She’d been recuperating from a surgery, but had managed to find the story.
The e-mail in part read: “It was so nice of you to remember me. I tried to send you that short story about Tango entitled “Clothes Make the Man.” The author is Henri Duvernois, and it took me quite a while to locate it! Teachers really teach for the future, and we never really know what our students will remember about our class. Thanks for the “lift”! D’Ann Moutos”
Some teachers really do go the extra mile for their students and it’s for those I am so grateful that Mrs. Moutos was one of mine. I am happy to share the short story with you and hope you love it as much as I always have. Again, thanks to Mrs. Moutos who without knowing it at the time helped me realize my passion for words and how much I wanted to write.
That story’s a favorite of mine, so much so I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned on CB. I think the author’s prename makes it more difficult to remember this O.Henry-like story.
I was hoping James would actually add the story into my column, but for those who don’t already know, you can click on the blue title of “Clothes Makes the Man” and read the story. I love this one!
Great column as usual, and I loved the story.
Loved this!! And I am impressed. I have no recollection of my high school English teacher’s name!! LOL!!
Thanking one’s teachers is important even years later. It will be appreciated and well worth any wait! And Deborah, I’m going to read the story. My thanks to you and Mrs Moutos for bringing this story to my notice.