The Cactusis one of the most greatest critiques of egotism and hypocritical conceit by O’Henry. The basic storyline is really simple. Trysdale is a young man, noble, wealthy and cultured, realizes that his girl friend is excessively devoted to him and sort of worships him. She showers him with all sorts of superlative appellations and Trysdale very fondly accepts them, as naturally as the desert sand soaks up rain.