"Two Gentlemen of Verona" by A. J. Cronin

 

Two Gentlemen of Verona

A. J. Cronin

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” is written by A.J Cronin. The title of the short story is taken from an early play by Shakespeare. The story revolves around the two boys, Nicola and Jacopo, who do many things to earn money for their sister’s treatment, who suffers from tuberculosis of the spine. The story is narrated by a traveller who meets them during his visit to Verona in Italy.

The narrator and his friend are travelling through the beautiful foothills of the Alps. On the outskirts of Verona, they notice two small boys selling wild strawberries. The boys are Nicola, aged thirteen, and Jacopo, aged twelve. Though they look weak and poor, they appear hardworking and serious.

The narrator sees them again in different places in the city. They do many small jobs, such as selling newspapers, polishing shoes, and guiding tourists. They work from early morning till late at night. They never waste money on clothes or comfort and eat very simple food. Their behaviour makes the narrator curious. One night, he sees them sitting on a pavement waiting for the last bus to sell newspapers. He is surprised by their dedication. The next morning, he asks them about their life, but they do not clearly explain what they are saving money for.

Before leaving Verona, the narrator offers to help them. Jacopo asks him to take them to a village called Polenta. The narrator agrees. There, they stop at a large building, and the boys go inside while the narrator waits. Out of curiosity, the narrator enters the building and learns from a nurse that the building is a hospital. He discovers that the boys' sister, Lucia, is suffering from tuberculosis and is being treated there. The boys have been working hard for more than a year to pay for her treatment.

The nurse also explains their background. Their father was a famous singer at La Scala but was killed during the war. Their home was destroyed in a bombing, and they became orphans. Despite this tragedy, the boys supported each other and took care of their sister. During the war, they even helped the resistance group by spying on enemy movements. After the war, they focused only on saving Lucia’s life. The nurse says Lucia is recovering and may soon be able to sing again, like her father.

The narrator is deeply moved by their story. He understands that the boys are not working for themselves but for their sister’s future. He admires their courage, maturity, and selfless love. He does not tell them that he knows their secret, as he respects their dignity. He realises that true greatness is not about wealth or status, but about love, responsibility, and sacrifice.

He calls Nicola and Jacopo “Two Gentlemen of Verona” because, despite being poor children, they show noble qualities. Their dedication to their sister and their hardworking nature make them truly admirable. The story ends with a message that real honour comes from kindness, sacrifice, and strong family bonds.

The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

 

The Model Millionaire

Oscar Wilde

“The Model Millionaire” is a short story by Oscar Wilde. The story revolves around a young man, Hughie Erskine, who, though not very wealthy, is kind-hearted. The story narrates how he is rewarded for his kindness.  

 Hughie is a handsome, charming and popular young man. But he is not very rich. He did not receive anything of great value in his father’s will. He inherited only a sword and a history book titled History of the Peninsular War in 15 volumes. His only income is 200 pounds a year, given to him by an elderly aunt. He tried several different businesses: the stock market, a tea merchant, and selling dry sherry, but all of which failed. Hughie was in love with a young woman named Laura Merton. Laura’s father, Colonel Merton, likes Hughie, but because of his financial situation, he does not approve of their marriage. He laid a condition for their marriage that Hughie should earn ten thousand pounds.

One day, Hughie goes to see his artist friend Alan Trevor. Alan was painting a portrait of an old beggar. The old man is wearing a tattered brown cloak and boots that have been mended many times. He has a rough walking stick in one hand. On the other hand, he is holding out an old hat to ask for money. Both Alan and Hughie agree that the old man is an excellent subject for a painting. Hughie feels sorry for the old beggar. He thinks it is unfair that Alan makes more money from the painting, while the old beggar receives only a minimal salary. Though Alan is his friend, his kind heart supported the old beggar. When Alan leaves the room, Hughie looks in his pockets. He finds a sovereign and gives the coin to the old man. Though Hughie needs the money, he prefers to give it to the old man. The old man looks very happy to receive it and Hughie soon leaves the room.

Alan and Hughie meet up again at night. The artist tells his friend that the old man asked several questions about Hughie. Alan goes on to say that he told the old man all about Hughie, Laura Merton and the condition which Colonel Merton set for their marriage. Hughie is upset to learn that his friend shared his personal information with the old beggar. He tells Alan that he gave a sovereign to the beggar. The amused Alan tells Hughie that the old man he was painting was Baron Hausberg, one of the wealthiest men in Europe. Baron Hausberg often bought Alan’s paintings and asked Alan to paint him as a beggar. Alan supplied the tattered clothes he was wearing. Hughie feels ashamed about giving a coin to a millionaire. The next day, a representative of Baron Hausberg comes to Hughie’s house with an envelope containing a check for ten thousand pounds, and it was written as a wedding present ‘from an old beggar’. Hughie and Laura get married and Baron Hausberg attends their wedding.