One of the most famous humorists in world literature, O. Henry created a unique panorama of American life at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, in grotesque situations, he conveyed the contrasts and paradoxes of his era, which opened up space for people with business acumen, whom the game of chance raises to the top of success, then throws to the very bottom of life. "May Moon brightly lit Mrs. Murphy's private boarding house. Look in the calendar, and you will know how much the area was illuminated that evening by its rays. Spring fever was in full swing, and it was to be followed by hay fever .. In the parks appeared young leaflets and buyers from the western and southern states. Flowers bloomed, and resort agents flourished; the air and court sentences became softer; scarves, fountains and gamblers played everywhere.