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Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9 – In this blog post, I am sharing a detailed line-by-line explanation of the chapter “Best Seller” for Class 9 Communicative English. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the nuances of the story, its characters, and the underlying themes in a clear and engaging way. Whether you’re preparing for exams or simply looking to grasp the core message of the chapter, this explanation will make the concepts easier to follow. By breaking down each line, you’ll get a better understanding of the dialogues, actions, and overall flow of the story, ensuring that you master the chapter completely.

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Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

One day last summer, I went to Pittsburgh-well, I had to go there on business.
My chair-car was profitably well-filled with people of the kind one usually sees on chair-cars. Most of them were ladies in brown-silk dresses cut with square yokes, with lace insertion and dotted veils, who refused to have the windows raised. Then there was the usual number of men who looked as if they might be in almost any business and going almost anywhere. I leaned back idly in chair No. 7, and looked with tepidest curiosity at the small, black, bald-spotted head just visible above the back of No.9.

Paraphrasing – The writer describes a day from the previous summer when he had to travel to Pittsburgh for work, not for fun. He was seated on a railroad car with adjustable chairs. The car was filled with a reasonable number of people, meaning it wasn’t too crowded or empty. He notes the passengers around him, particularly the women in brown silk dresses adorned with yokes, lace, and dotted veils. These women didn’t want to open the windows because they were worried their hairstyles might get messed up. Among the passengers were also businessmen. The writer leaned back in his chair, specifically chair number 7, feeling idle with nothing to do but observe. He noticed another passenger, a man sitting in chair number 9, whose small, black, bald head was the only part visible above the back of his chair.

Suddenly No.9 hurled a book on the floor between his chair and the window, and, looking, I saw that it was “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan,” one of the best- selling novels of the present day. And then, the critic veered his chair toward the window, and I knew him at once for John A. Pescud of Pittsburgh, travelling salesman for a plate-glass company – an old acquaintance whom I had not seen in two years.

Paraphrasing – Suddenly, the man in chair number 9 threw a book onto the floor between his chair and the window. The writer looked at the book and recognized it as “The Rose Lady and Trevelyan,” a popular best-selling novel. The man reading it then turned his chair towards the window. The author realized he knew this man; it was John A. Pescud from Pittsburgh, a traveling salesman for a company that sold large sheets of glass. The writer noted that he hadn’t seen Pescud in the last two years.

In two minutes we were faced, had shaken hands, and had finished with such topics as rain, prosperity, health, residence, and destination. Politics might have followed next; but I was not so ill-fated.
I wish you might know John A. Pescud. He is of the stuff that heroes are not often lucky enough to be made of. He is a small man with a wide smile, and an eye that seems to be fixed upon that little red spot on the end of your nose.

Paraphrasing – Only two minutes had passed since John A. Pescud turned his chair, during which the two men shook hands and talked about different topics such as the weather, success, health, where they lived, and their travel plans. They could have continued discussing politics, but the author was relieved because he doesn’t enjoy political conversations and felt fortunate that it didn’t come up.

He believes that “our” plate-glass is the most important commodity in the world, The Cambria Steel Works, the best company and that when a man is in his home town, he ought to be decent and law-abiding.
During my acquaintance with him earlier I had never known his views on life, romance, literature and ethics. We had browsed, during our meetings, on local topics and then parted.

Paraphrasing – During their conversation, the author learned that John A. Pescud considered plate-glass to be the most essential material in the world. The author found it amusing when John referred to it as “our” plate-glass, showing his strong connection to the product. John also praised the Cambria Steel Works, calling it the best company. He believed that if a man spent most of his time in his hometown, it likely meant he was a good and humble person.

Now I was to get more of his ideas. By way of facts, he told me that business had picked up since the party conventions and that he was going to get off at Coketown.
“Say,” said Pescud, stirring his discarded book with the hand, “did you ever read one of these best-sellers? I mean the kind where the hero is an American swell-sometimes even from Chicago – who falls in love with a royal princess from Europe who is travelling under an alias and follows her to her father’s kingdom or principality? I guess you have. They’re all alike.

Paraphrasing – The author continued to learn more about John and his thoughts. John explained that he was traveling by train because their plate-glass company had recently seen an increase in sales after a convention where they discussed new sales strategies. He was heading to Coketown for this reason. Then, John pointed out the book he had thrown on the floor, asking the author if he had read it. He described the book as one featuring an American hero who is wealthy and fashionable, hailing from Chicago. This hero falls in love with a European princess traveling under a fake name. So deeply in love, he follows her back to her royal homeland. John assumed the author had read similar books, as many bestsellers shared this kind of plot.

“Well, this fellow chases the royal chair-warmer home as I said, and finds out who she is. He meets her in the evening and gives us ten pages of conversation. She reminds him of the difference in their stations and that gives him a chance to ring in three solid pages about America’s uncrowned sovereigns.

Paraphrasing – John kept discussing the bestseller he was reading, explaining that the hero follows the princess to her home and discovers her true identity. He mentioned that the princess is called a “chair-warmer” because, as long as her father or king is alive, she has little power. John noted that, like many bestsellers, the hero and princess have a long conversation in the evening that takes up about ten pages. During this conversation, the princess reminds the hero that they shouldn’t speak to each other because of their different social standings. In response, the hero passionately talks about “America’s uncrowned sovereigns,” arguing that it’s fine for them to converse since, even though he isn’t a king, he lives with the same confidence and authority. This speech takes up three pages of the novel.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

“Well, you know how it runs on, if you’ve read any of ‘em-he slaps the king’s Swiss bodyguards around like every thing whenever they get in his way. He’s a great fencer, too.
“Yes,” said Pescud, “but these kind of love-stories are rank-on-the-level. I know something about literature, even if I am in plate-glass.

Paraphrasing – The writer continued by saying that in the story, the hero meets the king, the princess’s father, and boldly ignores the bodyguards and soldiers who try to stop him from approaching the king and the princess. The hero is portrayed as a skilled fencer, meaning he is more proficient in combat than the king. Pescud agreed with this point and mentioned that the book he was reading was considered a high-quality literary work. He also added that, despite working in a plate-glass company, he had some knowledge about literature.

“When people in real life marry, they generally hunt up somebody in their own station. A fellow usually picks out a girl who went to the same high-school and belonged to the same singing-society that he did.”
Pescud picked up the best-seller and hunted his page.
“Listen to this,” said he. “Trevelyan is sitting with the Princess Alwyna at the back end of the tulip-garden. This is how it goes:

Paraphrasing – Pescud stated that in real life, people usually marry someone of the same social standing. A man often chooses a girl he has known for some time, like someone from the same high school or clubs. Essentially, he picks a girl he has spent time with during his teenage years. After making this point, Pescud picked up the book and began flipping through the pages to find a specific scene. He then asked the writer to listen closely as he described a moment in the story where the hero is sitting with the princess at the back of a tulip garden.

“Say not so, dearest and sweetest of earth’s fairest flowers. Would I aspire? You are a star set high above me in a royal heaven; I am only-myself. Yet I am a man and I have a heart to do and dare. I have no title save that of an uncrowned sovereign; but I have an arm and a sword that yet might free Schutzenfestenstein from the plots of traitors.”

Schutzenfestenstein – Stone of the marksmen’s fair

Paraphrasing – In this scene, the hero tells the princess not to mention anything that makes him doubt his dreams. He expresses that she is the most beautiful flower on Earth, shining like a star in a “royal heaven.” While she is radiant, he feels ordinary, lacking her brilliance. Yet, he reminds her that he is still human, with the ability to act, take risks, and dream. Although he has no royal status apart from being a prince of an uncrowned sovereign, he possesses strength and skill that can free anyone from harm. Essentially, the hero conveys that despite the slim chances of them being together, he will continue to strive for that possibility.

“Think of a Chicago man packing a sword, and talking about freeing anything that sounded as much like canned sardines!”
“I think I understand you, John,” said I. “You want fiction- writers to be consistent with their scenes and characters. They shouldn’t mix Turkish pashas with Vermont farmers, or English Dukes with Long Island clam diggers or Cincinnati agents with the Rajahs of India.”

Paraphrasing – After reading the conversation, Pescud joked that it sounded like a Chicago man with a sword, claiming he could save anyone, but in reality, the only thing he could free was a can of sardines. The writer acknowledged Pescud’s point, understanding that he believed fiction writers should create realistic scenes and characters. Pescud felt that they shouldn’t compare the power of a high-ranking Ottoman official to a farmer, or a duke or king to people who only catch shellfish, or social workers to Indian Rajahs. Essentially, he argued that stories should be logical and believable.

“Or plain business men with aristocracy high above ‘em,” added Pescud. “It doesn’t jibe. I don’t see why people go to work and buy hundreds of thousands of books which are best sellers. You don’t see or hear of any such capers in real life.”
“Well John,” said I, “I haven’t read a best-seller in a long time. Maybe I’ve had notions about them somewhat like yours. But tell me more about yourself. Getting along all right with the company?”

Paraphrasing – Pescud pointed out that best-sellers often compare the power of aristocrats with the insignificant power that ordinary businessmen have, which he believed did not reflect real life. He couldn’t understand why people waste their hard-earned money on such unrealistic stories, as he had never encountered a true story that resembled those plots. The writer admitted he hadn’t read a best-seller in a while but had a general idea of their common themes, which were similar to what John was describing. He then shifted the conversation to ask John about his well-being and how he was doing at his company.

“Bully,” said Pescud, brightening at once. “I’ve had my salary raised twice since I saw you, and I get a commission, too. I’ve bought a neat slice of real estate. Next year the firm is going to sell me some shares of stock. Oh, l’m in on the line of General Prosperity.
“Met your affinity yet, John?” I asked.

Paraphrasing – Pescud’s expression lit up with joy as he shared that he was excelling at his job. His salary had doubled since they last met two years ago, and he was also earning commissions. He owned a valuable piece of real estate, and his company planned to sell him a share of the business next year. He confidently stated that he would become very wealthy in a few years. The writer then inquired whether Pescud had found someone to marry or if he was already in a relationship.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

“Oh, I didn’t tell you about that, did I?” said Pescud with a broader grin.
“O-ho!” I said. “So you’ve taken off enough time from your plate-glass to have a romance?”
“No, no,” said John. “No romance-nothing like that! But I’ll tell you about it,
“I was on the south-bound, going to Cincinnati, about eighteen months ago, when I saw, across the aisle, the finest looking girl I’d ever laid eyes on. Nothing spectacular, you know, but just the sort you want for keeps.”

Paraphrasing – Pescud grinned broadly and asked the writer if he hadn’t shared anything about his romantic life yet. The writer expressed surprise, joking that Pescud had taken time off from his plate-glass business for romance. Pescud clarified that he hadn’t had any romance but promised to share his story. He explained that about eighteen months ago, while traveling south to Cincinnati, he spotted the most beautiful girl sitting across the aisle. He didn’t fall deeply in love with her, but he felt she was the kind of girl he could see himself with forever.

She read a book and minded her business, which was, to make the world prettier and better just by residing in it. I kept on looking out of the side-doors of my eyes, and finally the proposition got out of the carriage into a case of a cottage with a lawn and vines running over the porch. I never thought of speaking to her, but I let the plate glass business go to smash for a while.”

Paraphrasing – The girl was reading a book and didn’t engage much with those around her, which made her seem even more attractive to John. He didn’t openly stare at her but caught glimpses of her from the corner of his eye. He noticed that she left the carriage and walked toward a cottage with a large garden and vines covering the porch. Although John hadn’t planned to speak to her, he felt so captivated by her that he decided to set aside thoughts of his plate-glass business for a while.

“She changed cars at Cincinnati and took a sleeper to Louisville. There she bought another ticket and went on through Shelbyville, Frankford, and Lexington. Along there, I began to have a hard time keeping up with her. The trains came along when they pleased, and didn’t seem to be going anywhere in particular, except to keep on the track and on the right way as much as possible. Then they began to stop at junctions instead of towns, and at last they stopped altogether.

Paraphrasing – John mentioned that the girl boarded a different cable car when they reached Cincinnati. From there, she took a sleeper train to Louisville. In Louisville, she purchased another ticket and continued her journey to Shelbyville, Frankfort, and Lexington, making it difficult for John to keep up with her. He realized that she was traveling without any clear plan or destination, simply getting off one train and immediately boarding another. Instead of stopping in towns, she got off at train junctions, wandering aimlessly.

“I contrived to keep out of her sight as much as I could, but I never lost track of her. The last station she got off at was away down in Virginia, about six in the evening. There were about fifty houses.
“The rest was red mud, mules, and speckled hounds.

Paraphrasing – John attempted to stay out of the girl’s sight, but he found it unrealistic to do so. He managed to keep track of her, and she finally stopped in a place called Virginia around six in the evening. Virginia was a small, sparsely populated area with only about 50 houses.

“A tall old man, with a smooth face and white hair, looking as proud as Julius Caesar was there to meet her. His clothes were frazzled but I didn’t notice that till later. He took her little satchel, and they started over the plank walks and went up a road along the hill. I kept along a pace behind ‘em, trying to look like I was hunting a garnet ring in the sand that my sister had lost at a picnic, the previous Saturday.

Paraphrasing – John noticed that the girl was meeting a tall, older man with a smooth, shaven face and grey hair. The man looked proud, almost like Julius Caesar, as he greeted her. John then observed that the old man’s clothes were worn out. He took the small bag from the girl, and they began chatting while walking along a wooden path toward a hilltop. John followed them, staying close but pretending to search for a red gemstone ring that his sister had lost during a picnic the previous Saturday.

“They went in a gate on top of the hill. It nearly took my breath away when I looked up. Up there in the biggest grove, I had ever seen was a huge house with round white pillars, about a thousand feet high, and the yard was so full of rose-bushes and box-bushes and lilacs that you couldn’t have seen the house if it hadn’t been as big as the Capitol at Washington.

Paraphrasing – When John and the pair finally reached the hilltop, he noticed they had gone through a gate leading to an impressive house that left him astonished. He hadn’t expected to find such a large house on the hilltop. The garden had small wooden structures, and the house was supported by pillars that seemed a thousand feet high. The yard was filled with lush green bushes, roses, and lilacs. John felt that the house was as grand as the Capitol in Washington.

‘Here’s where I have to trail,’ say I to myself. I thought before that she seemed to be in moderate circumstances, at least. This must be the Governor’s mansion, or the Agricultural Building of a new World Fair, anyhow. I’d better go back to the village and get posted by the postmaster, for some information.

Paraphrasing – Upon seeing the large building, John decided to stop following the girl and return to the village. He believed the girl was financially well-off and likely lived in the Governor’s mansion or a building large enough for an international exhibition. He planned to visit the post office to gather more information about the girl from the postmaster.

“In the village, I found a fine hotel called the Bay View House. The only excuse for the name was a bay horse grazing in the front yard. I set my sample-case down, and tried to be ostensible. I told the landlord, “I was taking orders for plate-glass”.
“By-and-by, I got him down to local gossip and answering questions.

Paraphrasing – John returned to the village and found a well-established hotel called Bay View House, named after a bay-colored horse grazing in the front yard. He approached the landlord, placing his briefcase of plate-glass samples in front of him, hoping to persuade him to make a purchase. This revealed John’s role as a door-to-door salesman, going from house to house to sell his company’s products. After some time discussing plate-glass, John skillfully shifted the conversation to local gossip and got the landlord to answer his questions.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

“Why?’, says he, ‘I thought everybody knew who lived in the big white house on the hill. It’s Colonel Allyn, the biggest man and finest quality in Virginia, or anywhere else. They’re the oldest family in the State. That was his daughter who had got off the train. She’s been up to Illinois to see her aunt, who is sick.’

Paraphrasing – John asked the landlord about the occupants of the large white house on the hill. The landlord was surprised that John didn’t know who lived there, as everyone in Virginia and nearby states was familiar with Colonel Allyn, a prominent figure known for his exceptional character. The landlord explained that Colonel Allyn’s family had deep roots in Virginia, and he had a daughter—who was the same girl John had been following. He also mentioned that the girl had recently travelled by train to Illinois to visit her sick aunt.

“I registered at the hotel, and on the third day I caught the young lady walking in the front yard, down next to the paling fence. I stopped and raised my hat – there wasn’t any other way.
‘Excuse me,’ says I, ‘can you tell me where Mr. Hinkle lives?’

Paraphrasing – John shared with the writer that he had checked into the hotel to secure a place to stay. On the third day of his stay, he spotted the young lady walking near the fence in the front yard, which was made of pointed wooden or metal posts. He approached her, lifted his hat as a gesture of respect, and started a conversation by asking if she could tell him where Mr. Hinkle lived. This was his attempt to engage with the lady he was interested in.

“She looks at me as cool as if I was the man come to see about the weeding of the garden, but I thought I saw just a slight twinkle of fun in her eyes.
‘No one of that name lives in Birchton,’ says she. ‘That is,’ she goes on, ‘as far as I know’.
“Well, that tickled me. ‘No kidding,’ says I. ‘I’m not looking for smoke, even if I do come from Pittsburgh.’

Paraphrasing – John explained to the writer that the woman looked at him with a cool demeanor, suggesting she saw him as someone beneath her, perhaps likening him to a gardener. He noticed a playful glint in her eyes, indicating she found his attempt to start a conversation amusing and wanted to play along. When he asked about Mr. Hinkle, she replied that she didn’t think anyone by that name lived in Birchton, which amused John. He clarified that he wasn’t searching for a nonexistent person and mentioned he came from Pittsburgh.

‘You are quite a distance from home,’ says she.
‘I’d have gone a thousand miles farther,’ says I.
‘Not if you hadn’t woken up when the train started in Shelbyville,’ says she; and then she turned almost as red as one of the roses on the bushes in the yard. I remembered I had dropped off to sleep on a bench in the Shelbyville station, waiting to see which train she took, and only just managed to wake up in time.

Paraphrasing – The lady remarked that John was quite far from home, to which he replied that he would have travelled even farther just to keep an eye on her. She playfully pointed out that he wouldn’t have been able to go that distance if he hadn’t woken up when the train left Shelbyville. At this, she blushed, turning as red as the roses in the yard. John then admitted to the writer that he had fallen asleep on a bench at the Shelbyville station while waiting for her and woke up just in time to see where she was headed. Her blush suggested she was aware that he had been following her from the start.

“And then I told her why I had come, as respectful and earnest as I could. And I told her everything about myself, and what I was making, and how that all I asked was just to get acquainted with her and try to get her to like me.
“She smiles a little, and blushes some, but her eyes never get mixed up. They look straight at whom so ever she’s talking to.

Paraphrasing – John explained to the woman why he had come to Virginia, sharing details about himself and his job. He also admitted that he wanted her to talk to him and eventually fall in love with him. After he finished, she smiled and blushed, feeling embarrassed by his admission. Despite her embarrassment, John noted that she maintained eye contact while talking to him, which he found appealing.

‘I never had any one talk like this to me before, Mr. Pescud,’ says she. ‘What did you say your name is-John?’
‘John A.,’ says I.
“ ‘And you came mighty near missing the train at Powhatan Junction, too,’ says she, with a laugh that sounded as good as a mileage-book to me.”

Paraphrasing – The woman told John that no one had ever spoken to her like that before, indicating it was the first time someone had confessed their feelings for her. She then asked if his name was John Pescud, to which he replied it was John A. Pescud. She laughed and mentioned that he nearly missed the train at Powhatan Junction. John compared her laughter to a mileage book, expressing that he found her laughter enjoyable.

“ ‘How did you know?’ I asked.
“ ‘Men are very clumsy,’ said she. ‘I know you were on every train. I thought you were going to speak to me, and I’m glad you didn’t.
“Then we had more talk; and at last a kind of proud, serious look came on her face, and she turned and pointed a finger at the big house.

Paraphrasing – John asked her how she knew he almost missed the train, curious since he had tried to stay hidden from her. She replied that men were clumsy, suggesting they handle things less gracefully than women. She also mentioned she was aware he was on every train she took and was relieved he hadn’t approached her. John noted that during their conversation, she began to appear proud and serious, indicating she wanted him to know more about her family and wealth. She then pointed to the large house he had seen her at previously.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

‘The Allyns,’ says she, ‘have lived in Elmcroft for a hundred years. We are a proud family. Look at that mansion. It has fifty rooms. See the pillars and porches and balconies. The ceilings in the reception-rooms and the ball-room are twenty- eight feet high. My father is lineal descendant of the Belted Earls.’

Paraphrasing – The woman explained that the Allyns had lived in Elmcroft for a century and were a proud family, boasting about their success and wealth. She directed John’s attention to the mansion, describing its impressive features, including fifty rooms, pillars, porches, balconies, reception rooms, and a ballroom with twenty-eight-foot-high ceilings. She also mentioned that her father was a direct descendant of the Belted Earls.

“ ‘Of course,’ she goes on, ‘my father wouldn’t allow a drummer to set his foot in Elmcroft. If he knew that I was talking to one over the fence, he would lock me in my room.’
“ ‘Would you let me come there?’ says I. ‘Would you talk to me if I was to call? For,’ I go on, ‘if you said yes,I might come and see you?’

Paraphrasing – The woman continued by saying that her father would never allow a sales representative like John to enter Elmcroft, implying that he considered John too poor for her. She expressed that if her father found out she was speaking to a man like John, he would confine her to her room. This meant she wasn’t even allowed to talk to men like him, let alone fall in love with him. In response, John asked her if she would permit him to visit Elmcroft and if she would talk to him if he did. By asking this, he was indirectly trying to find out if she had feelings for him.

“ ‘I must not talk to you,’ she says, ‘because we have not been introduced. It is not exactly proper. So I will say good-bye, Mr.—’
“‘Say the name,’ says I. ‘You haven’t forgotten it.’”
“ ‘Pescud,’ says she, a little mad.

Paraphrasing – The woman didn’t respond to John’s questions, likely understanding their implications. She informed him that she shouldn’t talk to him because they hadn’t been properly introduced and her father didn’t know him. Just as she was about to say goodbye, John interrupted and asked her to say his name. She said his last name, showing a hint of annoyance.

“ ‘The rest of the name!’ I demand, as cool as I could be.”
“ ‘John,’ says she.
“ ‘John-what?’ I said.
“ ‘John A.,’ says she, with her head high. ‘Are you through, now?’

Paraphrasing – John then asked her to say his full name calmly. She replied with “John.” But he pressed her to say the complete name, and she finally said, “John A.”

63 “ ‘I’m coming to see the belted earl tomorrow,’ I said.

“ ‘He’ll feed you to his fox-hounds,’ says she, laughing.
“ ‘If he does, it’ll improve their running,’ says I. ‘I’m something of a hunter myself.’”
“ ‘I must be going in now,’ says she. ‘I oughtn’t to have spoken to you at all. I hope you’ll have a pleasant trip back to Minneapolis-or Pittsburgh, was it? Good- bye!’

Paraphrasing – John told the woman that he would visit the mansion to see the belted earl, her father, the next day. She laughed and replied that her father would kill him and feed his remains to the foxhounds, implying that she found his determination foolish. Undeterred by her threat, John joked that it would only make the hounds faster and that he was also a hunter with knowledge about hounds, likely trying to impress her. She then remarked that she should head back home, realizing that their conversation had made him more eager to pursue her. Wishing him a good trip back to his hometown, she became momentarily confused about where he was from and decided to end the interaction, bidding him goodbye.

“ ‘Good-night,’ says I, ‘and it wasn’t Minneapolis. What’s your name, first, please?’
“She hesitated. Then she pulled a leaf off a bush, and said:
‘My name is Jessie,’ says she.
“ ‘Good-night, Miss Allyn’, says I.

Paraphrasing – John wished her good night, clarifying that he was from Pittsburgh and not Minneapolis. He then respectfully asked for her first name. Jessie hesitated, turning her gaze away and plucking a leaf from a nearby bush, indicating her shyness and uncertainty. Finally, she revealed that her name was Jessie. John wished her good night again, signaling that he would end the conversation and not disturb her further. By addressing her as “Miss Allyn,” he aimed to respect her boundaries and ensure she felt comfortable.

“The next morning at eleven, sharp, I rang the doorbell of that World Fair main building. After about three quarters of an hour, an old man of about eighty showed up and asked what I wanted. I gave him my business card, and said I wanted to see the Colonel. He showed me in.

Paraphrasing – John shares with the writer that he visited the mansion the next morning at precisely 11 a.m. He referred to it as the “World Fair main building” because of its impressive and distinctive appearance in the area. After waiting for about 45 minutes, an elderly man, around eighty years old, answered the door and inquired about John’s purpose. John presented his business card and expressed his desire to see Colonel Allyn. The old man then permitted him to enter the mansion, indicating that John’s visit was welcomed, despite the initial formality.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

“Say, did you ever crack open a wormy English walnut? That’s what that house was like. There wasn’t enough furniture in it to fill an eight-dollar flat. Some old horsehair lounges and three-legged chairs and some framed ancestors on the walls were all that met the eye. But when Colonel Allyn comes in, the place seemed to light up. You could almost hear a band playing, and see a bunch of old- timers in wigs and white stockings dancing a quadrille. It was the style of him, although he had on the same shabby clothes I saw him wear at the station.

For about nine seconds he had me rattled, and I came mighty near getting cold feet and trying to sell him some plate-glass. But I got my nerve back pretty quick. He asked me to sit down, and I told him everything. I told him how I had followed his daughter from Cincinnati, and what I did it for, and all about my salary and prospects, and explained to him my little code of living – to be always decent and right in your home town. At first, I thought he was going to throw me out of the window, but I kept on talking.

Paraphrasing – John compares his first impression of the mansion to a “wormy walnut,” suggesting that while the exterior of the house was stunning, the interior was less appealing. He observes that there was a stark lack of furniture, so minimal that it wouldn’t even fill a cheap eight-dollar flat. The sparse decor included some horsehair lounges, three-legged chairs, and portraits of the Allyn ancestors, which John found to look strict and unfriendly, indicating a lineage that seemed unapproachable.

When Colonel Allyn, Jessie’s father, entered the room, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Despite wearing shabby clothes, the Colonel exuded an elegance that transformed the space. John imagined a lively scene filled with orchestral music and couples dancing, which both astonished and intimidated him. He felt a surge of nervousness, torn between the impulse to sell plate-glass or flee the situation entirely. However, this nervousness dissipated quickly when the Colonel invited him to sit down, signalling the start of their conversation.

John then candidly shared his intentions with the Colonel—his journey following Jessie from Cincinnati, his reasons for pursuing her, and details about his life, including his salary and ambitions for the future. He maintained a sense of dread, fearing the Colonel would react negatively to the revelation that he had been following his daughter. Despite his apprehension, the Colonel did not interrupt, allowing John to express himself fully without immediate judgment.

“Well, that got him laughing, and I’ll bet that was the first laugh those ancestors and horsehair sofa had heard in many a day.
“We talked two hours. I told him everything I knew; and then he began to ask questions and I told him the rest. All I asked of was to give me a chance. If I couldn’t make a hit with the little lady, I’d clear out, and not bother them any more. At last he says:

Paraphrasing – After John finished sharing about himself, Colonel Allyn laughed, finding John’s unique perspective on life both special and amusing. John thought this laughter was a refreshing change, suggesting that it was probably the first time in ages that the ancestors in the portraits or the worn horsehair sofa had heard such joy.

Their conversation flowed for two hours, during which John laid bare everything he knew about himself, creating a candid dialogue. The Colonel began to ask questions, and John answered them honestly, further revealing his character and intentions.

At the end of their discussion, John made a heartfelt request: he asked the Colonel for a chance to prove his worthiness to be with Jessie. He added that if the Colonel felt he was not suitable for his daughter, he would accept that verdict and walk away, promising not to intrude on their lives again. This earnest plea showcased John’s respect for both Jessie and her father, indicating his serious intentions despite the potential risks involved.

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

“ ‘There was a Sir Courtenay Pescud in the time of Charles I, if I remember rightly.’
“ ‘If there was,’ says I ‘he can’t claim kin with our bunch. We’ve always lived in and around Pittsburgh. I’ve got an uncle in the real-estate business, and one in trouble somewhere out in Kansas. You can inquire about any of the rest of us from anybody in the old Smoky Town, and get satisfactory replies. Did you ever run across that story about the captain of the whaler, who tried to make a sailor say his prayers?’ says I.

Paraphrasing – After John made his request, Colonel Allyn posed one final question: he inquired whether John had any connection to a Colonel named Sir Courtenay Pescud, who lived during the reign of Charles I. John replied honestly that he had no knowledge of such an ancestor. He clarified that none of his forebears were of noble rank, and even if Sir Courtenay Pescud did exist, he was not related to him. John’s family had roots in or around Pittsburgh.

To further establish his credibility and trustworthiness, John mentioned his two uncles—one involved in the real estate business and the other facing difficulties in Kansas. He encouraged the Colonel to check with anyone in Smoky Town, assuring him that he would receive satisfactory references about his character and family.

In a bid to lighten the mood and perhaps share a common story, John then asked the Colonel if he was familiar with the tale of the captain of the whaler who attempted to make a sailor pray to God. This question seemed to indicate that John was trying to build rapport and connect with the Colonel on a more personal level, while also demonstrating his wit and storytelling ability.

“ ‘It occurs to me that I have never been so fortunate,’ says the Colonel.
“So I told it to him. Laugh! I was wishing to myself that he was a customer. What a bill of glass, I’d sell him! And then he says:
“ ‘The relating of anecdotes and humorous occurrences has always seemed to me, Mr. Pescud, to be a particularly agreeable way of promoting and perpetuating amenities between friends. With your permission, I will relate to you a fox-hunting story with which I was personally connected, and which may furnish you some amusement’

Paraphrasing – The Colonel replied that he was not familiar with the story John mentioned. Encouraged, John proceeded to share the tale, successfully eliciting laughter from the Colonel. He felt a sense of satisfaction, hoping that he could win the Colonel over as a customer. John believed that impressing the Colonel would lead to a significant sale of plate-glass.

The Colonel, appreciating the exchange of stories, remarked that storytelling was an effective way to build relationships between people. He then expressed a desire to share a story of his own, recalling a fox-hunting experience. The Colonel was confident that John would find his story amusing, signalling a growing rapport between them as they continued their conversation. This moment highlighted the significance of personal connections in both business and social interactions, emphasizing how shared experiences could foster understanding and camaraderie.

“Two evenings later, I got a chance to speak a word with Miss Jessie alone on the porch while the Colonel was thinking up another story.
“ ‘It’s going to be a fine evening,’ says I.
‘He’s coming,’ says she. ‘He’s going to tell you, this time, the story about the old African and the green watermelons. It always comes after the one about the Yankees and the game rooster. There was another time; she goes on, ‘that you nearly got left- it was at Pulaski City.’

Paraphrasing – John shared with the writer that two evenings after his conversation with the Colonel, he finally had a brief moment alone with Miss Jessie on the porch. He was waiting for the Colonel, who was contemplating yet another story to share with him. John expressed his excitement, saying it was going to be a joyful evening. Jessie, already familiar with the Colonel’s storytelling habits, predicted that he would recount the tale of the old African and the green watermelons, following his previous story about the Yankees and the game roosters.

Jessie then shifted the conversation, reminding John of the incident when he almost missed the train at Pulaski City and lost track of her. This exchange hinted at a growing connection between John and Jessie, as their conversations began to touch on personal experiences and memories, highlighting the developing relationship amid the backdrop of the Colonel’s stories. It showcased how small moments and shared histories could strengthen their bond as they navigated the complexities of class differences and family expectations.

CBSE Class 9 Communicative Summary

Keeping It From Harold Summary

The Man Who Knew too Much

Best Seller Line by Line Explanation Class 9

83 “ ‘Yes,’ says I, ‘I remember. My foot slipped as I was jumping on the step, and I nearly tumbled off.’

“ ‘I know,’ says she. ‘And – and I- I was afraid you had, John A. I was afraid you had.’
“And then she skips into the house through one of the big windows.”

Paraphrasing – John responded to Jessie, acknowledging that he remembered the incident and explaining that he nearly missed her because his foot slipped while he was jumping onto the train step, almost causing him to fall off the platform. Jessie’s reply showed her concern for him, indicating that she was becoming fond of John. Her worry reflected a growing interest and care for his well-being.

After their exchange, Jessie playfully jumped through one of the big windows to enter the house, which added a light-hearted and spontaneous element to their interaction. This playful act highlighted her youthful spirit and perhaps her desire to keep things casual and fun between them, even as they navigated the complexities of their differing backgrounds. The moment captured the budding romance between John and Jessie, marked by playful banter and mutual concern.

“Coketown!” droned the porter, making his way through the slowing car.
Pescud gathered his hat and baggage with the leisurely promptness of an old traveller.
“I married her a year ago,” said John, “I told you I built a house in the East End. The belted- I mean the Colonel-is there, too. I find him waiting at the gate whenever I get back from a trip to hear any new story, I might have picked up on the road,”

Paraphrasing – As the train approached Coketown, the porter was moving through the car, repeatedly announcing the destination. The train was slowing down, signalling that they were almost there. Pescud, preparing for his stop, gathered his hat and bags in a relaxed yet prompt manner, keen to avoid missing his stop.

He concluded his story to the writer by sharing that he married Jessie a year ago and built a house for them in the East, where the Colonel also lived with them. John mentioned that whenever he returned home, the Colonel eagerly awaited his arrival, looking forward to hearing another story. This ending highlights not only John’s successful pursuit of love but also the warm family dynamic that had developed, showcasing a blend of affection and camaraderie between John, Jessie, and her father.

I glanced out of the window. Coketown was nothing more than a ragged hillside dotted with a score of black dismal huts propped up against dreary mounts of slag and clinkers. It rained in slanting torrents, too and the rills foamed and splashed down through the black mud to the railroad- tracks.

Paraphrasing – As the writer caught sight of Coketown, he felt a sense of disappointment with the scenery before him. The town appeared as a hillside with jagged edges, marred by numerous black and gloomy huts that were propped up by mounds of waste. The rain fell at an angle, swiftly pouring down and creating a muddy mess on the railroad tracks. This description paints a bleak picture of Coketown, highlighting its industrial and dilapidated nature, contrasting sharply with the more hopeful and romantic elements of John’s story about love and family.

“You won’t sell much plate-glass here, John,” said I. “Why do you get off at this end-o’-the-world?”
“Why?,” said Pescud, “the other day I took Jessie for a little trip to Philadelphia, and coming back she thought she saw some petunias in a pot in one of those windows over there just like some she used to raise down in the old Virginia home. So I thought, I’d drop off here for the night, and see if I could dig up some of the cuttings or blossoms for her. Here we are. Good-night, old man. I gave you the address. Come out and see us when you have time.”

Paraphrasing – John explained to the writer that he didn’t expect to sell much plate glass in Coketown, given its unfortunate location, which he likened to the end of the world. He then shared a personal anecdote: his wife, Jessie, once spotted some petunias in a pot through the window of one of the dreary huts. The sight of those flowers reminded her of the ones she used to grow back in Virginia. This thought inspired John to consider collecting some cuttings or blossoms for her. He concluded the conversation by bidding farewell to his friend and inviting him to visit him and Jessie whenever he found the time. This exchange not only illustrates John’s affection for his wife but also highlights his desire to bring a piece of beauty into their lives amid the bleakness of Coketown.

The train moved forward. One of the dotted brown ladies insisted on having windows raised, now that the rain had started beating against them. The porter came along with his mysterious wand and began to light the car.
I glanced downward and saw the best-seller. I picked it up and set it carefully farther along on the floor of the car, where the raindrops would not fall upon it. And then, suddenly, I smiled, and seemed to see that life has no geographical bounds.

Paraphrasing – As John stepped off the train, it began to pull away, leaving him behind. A lady in a brown dress asked the writer to close the window, as rain was now streaming into the car. Meanwhile, the porter was using his wand to guide the train forward. The writer noticed John’s book on the floor and moved it to a safer spot, out of reach of the rain. This small act made him reflect on how much John’s love story resembled that of the best-selling novel he had just set aside. The moment underscored the idea that life and love transcend geographical boundaries, suggesting that universal themes connect people regardless of their locations or circumstances.

“Good-luck to you, Trevelyan,” I said. “And may you get the petunias for your princess!”

Paraphrasing – From the window, the writer called out to John, playfully referring to him as Trevelyan, the main character from the best-seller they both resembled in their romantic pursuits. He called Jessie the “princess,” emphasizing her special status in John’s life. The writer wished John good luck in finding the petunias for his princess, capturing the whimsical essence of their shared story and the hope that John’s journey would be as enchanting as a fairy tale.