The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-31
THAT uHtUckY NUMBER
=.
BY WALLACE HORTON.

Copyright. 1914. by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)
Mrs. Garvin surveyed the dining
table with delighted eyes. Certainly
there was little to complain of IN that
daintily conceived decoration for the
coming of an honored guest
Sir John Vance, the great matinee
hero and exponent of the drama, was
coming in for high tea, together with
notable number of well-known per-
sons. Sunday evening being the only
time when theatrical stars were free.
Mrs. Garvin had chosen that night for
their entertainment.
She fiuttered about the table like
a small bird twittering over q re-
splendent flower bed and hoped that
nothing would occur to mar the beauty
of an expected joyous evening. Mrs.
Garvin and her retinue Of servants had
spent much time and thought over the
decorations suitable for an eminent
actor. and the result was gratifying
at least
The center of the table was a mass
of laurel, and around it we're placed
fourteen little manikins representing
Sir John in various parts through
which he had won his fame. The
little figures seemed to stroll about the
table.
A few moments later the doorbell
rang and the first of the twelve ex-
pected guests arrived. Sir John Vance
followed, and soon all save one of the
fourteen visitors we're safely under the
roof of their hostess. When another
quarter of en- hour had passed Mrs.
Garvin became anxious lest something
direful had happened to Drina Warden
| that would prevent her coming and
thus upset the entire table arrange
I ments.
| Another moment and the telephone
rang. Drina could not come and there
would of necessity be vacant place
at the table.
Mrs. Garvin sighed. But since there
was no chance Of getting another
| guest at that late time she followed
her party into the dining room, her
fingers resting lightly on the arm Of
Sir John.
Il wanted Drina Warden especially
| Ito meet you," she told him with
dainty flattery in her eyes, 1T Is her
loss, however, that she Is unable to
be here"
The great actor rewarded her fiat.
terry with his whimsical smile.
Il can assure you will not notice the
absence of-anyone." he returned, and
Mrs. Garvin flushed prettily.
1T cuts our number down to thir-
teen, though" she said laughingly. Il
hope you are not superstitious, Sir
john" she added. and was startled by
a quick glance he cast over the guests.
But l am" Sir John told her
teen at table. The greatest loss I
have sustained in my life followed
such an occurrence. Do ask some one
in; it does not matter who"
Miss Gray, the children's nurse. pro-
tested in vain You look as sweet az
a new-biown rose in that pink blouse"
Mrs. Garvin told her.
Enid Gray was flushed and inwardly
trembling as Mrs Garvin pulled her
by the haHd into that assemblage Of
notable people, but outwardly she ex.
pressed the calm of placid lake. The
ordeal Of presentation was most try.
ing, and only when she was seated be-
side the guest of hcucr Gid she find
time to realize that she was not dream.
ing. He had offered her the flower
from his lapel the moment she had
seated herself.
THAT is for being good girl" he
told her with his delightful smile. Il
would have had to miss this high tea
Mrs. Garvin invited me to had you not
completed our number"
And since the ice had been broken
in so effective a manner tea proceed.
ed with more merriment than 1t would
have had Drina Warden graced the
table with her presence.
Later when the guests returned to
the drawing room. each carrying q
manikin representing Sir John, Miss
Gray would have slipped of to the
nursery had not Mrs. Garvin detained
her.
mo, no." she commanded. putting
determined hand on that of Enid
Gray, 81 want you to sing those sweet
little lullaby songs you do for the
kiddies. Sir John is very fond Of
music, he tells me, and none Of vi
can sing a note"
When Enid retired to her room thai
night her eyes were sparkling and hel
cheeks flushed She still felt the warn
thrill that had swept over her wher
Sir John had drawn her hand clos,
within lrts owR and the look in hi
eyes when he had said to her, Il have
always regretted my superstition-un
til tonight Now-it Is q most wonder
full asset"