In Part 1, the stories focus on the lives of ordinary New Yorkers, emphasizing themes of love, sacrifice, and life's ironies. For example, in "The Gift of the Magi," a couple sacrifices their most treasured possessions to buy gifts for each other, illustrating the true meaning of love. Additionally, "The Cop and the Anthem" portrays the ironic attempts of a homeless man trying to get arrested to find shelter, only to fail repeatedly. These narratives intricately depict the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictability of life.

TOBIN’S PALM
THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
A COSMOPOLITE IN A CAFE
BETWEEN ROUNDS
THE SKYLIGHT ROOM
A SERVICE OF LOVE
THE COMING-OUT OF MAGGIE
MAN ABOUT TOWN
THE COP AND THE ANTHEM
AN ADJUSTMENT OF NATURE
MEMOIRS OF A YELLOW DOG
THE LOVE-PHILTRE OF IKEY SCHOENSTEIN