[GOPJ]

So this is a master at work. By not giving us the physical details, Twain has allowed the reader's imagination to supply them so his story fits that of every man and woman who fall in love.

Perfect surprise ending, Pundit - didn't see it coming but felt it was obvious by the time I read the last word. Very nice.

[poconopundit]

Thanks, GOPJ. Glad to hear literary criticism hit the mark. Free Republic's contributors make these back-and-forths on so many subjects possible.

BTW, Hollywood made its own version of the Twain story: turned into a movie with Gregory Peck which you can find on Youtube.