The Foreigner Book

Great title! ["Whirligigs" is O. Henry's 10th book, released in 1910 - the year he died.] Apparently O. Henry never wrote a novel! (Though de Maupassant did.) He has a magnificent, erratic style I am tempted to call "operatic pulp":

"Hartley pressed the 'McComus' button. The door latch clicked spasmodically - now hospitably, now doubtfully, as though in anxiety whether it might be admitting friends or duns. Hartley entered and began to climb the stairs after the manner of those who seek their friends in city flat-houses - which is the manner of a boy who climbs an apple-tree, stopping when he comes upon what he wants."

That's from "'Girl.'" I read this book slowly, at my dad's house, and have forgotten this story, which is the sixth in the collection.…

Part Two

Now I remember! "'Girl'" is a sexual joke. Hartley, a 29 year old broker, appears to be having an affair with a radiant young woman named Vivienne. He hires a detective to track her down, visits her in her apartment, says things like: "My dear girl, have I not told you that you shall have everything that your heart can desire that is in my power to give you?"

It turns out he's hiring Vivienne as a cook!