
A lively portrait of small‑town America unfolds as the flamboyant D. Webster Opp arrives back in his rural hometown after a two‑year absence. Dressed in a gaudy plaid suit, a towering tie, and a hat that seems to announce his presence, Opp carries an air of grand ambition that both amuses and unsettles the locals. His bright, restless eyes hint at a restless spirit always chasing the next opportunity, even if it means missing trains or promising fortunes.
The story opens on a riverbank where Jimmy Fallows, a steady‑hand ferryman, waits for the funeral of his step‑father. As Opp steps off the launch, his exaggerated manners and hurried apologies set a humorous tone, while the quiet community watches his theatrical entrance with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Through witty dialogue and vivid descriptions, the narrative captures the clash between Opp’s larger‑than‑life persona and the modest, grounded world he returns to, inviting listeners to wonder how his grand schemes will mesh with the simple rhythms of country life.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (282K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David Wilson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-04-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1942
Best known for creating the beloved Mrs. Wiggs, this Kentucky novelist wrote warm, lively stories that mixed humor with sympathy for people living on the margins. Her most famous book became a major bestseller and helped bring wider attention to life in Louisville’s poor neighborhoods.
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