The Washington herald., 1914-12-02
DAILY SHORT STORY.
SUPERSTITION AND SIR JOHN.
BY WALLACE HORTON.

Mrs. Garvin surveyed the dining table
with delighted eyes. Certainly there was
little to complain Of in that daIntfly con-
ceived 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 a notable
number OF weIl-known persons. Sunday
evening being the only time when the
atrical stars were free, Mrs. Garvin had
chosen that night for their entertain
ment.
She futtered about the table like a
small bird twittering over a resplendent
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 suit
able for an eminent actor, and the re-
suit was gratifying at least.
The center OF the table was a mass Of
laurel. and around it were placed four
teen little manikins representing Sir John
in various parts through which he had
won his fame. The little figures seemed
to stroll about the table, so perfectly
were they fashioned. Art, master work.
manship and knowledge of the drama
had necessarily combined to turn out
Vance in miniature
Mrs. Garvin rushed of to the nursery
in burst of enthusiasm.
DO bring the children In TO see the
table, Miss Gray" she said TO the slim
girl who was the childrens loved nurse
1T doesn't matter IL they're in their
nighties," she added. when two little
white-clad figures hurled themselves into
her arms. She hugged them tight. re-
gardless OF exquisite chiffons and laces,
and trOtted them OF with Miss Gray to
see the table decoration for Sir John.
The children screamed with delight and
flush OF pleasure swept across Miss
Gray's face. For a moment she wished
that she. too, might Join that board and
gaze at Sir John Vance from across the
table even as she had gazed at him over
the footlights. But her envy OF the for
tunate women who were to have that
pleasure was short lived. and she took
the children of to the nursery with a
sense OF joy that she was not of an en-
vious nature
A few moments later the doorbell rang
and the first OF the twelve expected
guests arrived. Sir John Vance followed,
and soon all save one OF the fourteen
visitors were safely under the roof OF
their hostess. When another quarter Of
an hour had passed Mrs. Garvin became
anxious lest something direful had hap
pened to Drina Warden that would pre-
vent her coming and thus upset the en-
tire table arrangements.
Another moment and the telephone
rang. Drina could not come ind there
would of necessity be a vacant Mace 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.
II wanted Drina Warden especially-to
meet you." she told him with dainty fat
terry in her eyes. ''It is her loss, however,
that she is unable to be here"
The great actor rewarded her hattery
with his whimsical smile i
81 can assure you 1 will not notice the
absence of-any one," he returned, and
Mrs. Garvin blushed prettily.
1T cuts our number down to thirteen,
though" she said laughingly. 81 hope
you are not superstitious, Sir John" she
added. and was startled by the quick
glance he cast over the guests
But 1 am Sir John told her frankly,
II cannot sit down with thirteen at the
table. The greatest loss have sustained
in my life followed such an occurrence. |
Do ask some one in; it does not matter |
who"
He smiled so appealingly into Mrs. Gar
wins eyes that once again she realized
the truth that genius and extreme boy
shness go hand in hand.
The guests were seated even then. and |
n a moment Mrs. Garvin had their at |
IGNITION, though 1t was difficult to draw /
hem from exclamations of delight over
her unique table decoration.
'Sir John IL so superstitious, she told
hem laughingly. that must go out and
irag in some one to fill the fourteenth |
hair vacated by Miss Warden. Do ex-
,use me for a second" She went OF d.
'ectly and a general laugh followed at
;ir Johns expense. He took it good
laturedly and the situation took on
lew interest. Whom would Mrs. Gar
in find to offer them by way OF an
guest"
Miss Gray, the children's nurse, had
in vain.
You look as sweet as a new-blown
ose in that pink blouse" Mrs. Garvin
old her As she led her toward the
lining room, and there Is no need to
tand in awe Of our Sir John. He is Just
Ike an overgrown boy with no airs or
races"
Enid Gray was flushed and inwardIy
rembling as Mrs. Garvin pulled her by
he hand into that assemblage OF not
able people. but outwardly she ex-
'ressed the calm OF a placid lake. The
rdeal OF presentation was most trying.
nd only when she was seated beside the
NEST NJ hon0r did aho ApH ffrnn IA