The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1915-02-09
UNLUCKY kJAlBER
BY WALLACE HORTON.


Copyright, 1914. by the Mcclure Neqspa.
per Syndicate9
Mrs. Garvin surveyed the dining
table with delighted eyes. Certainly
there was little to complain OF in that
d~aintily conceived decoration for the
coming of an IGNORED gses
Sir Jchn Vance tire great matinee
her2 aad exponent OF the lraua sas
cozlilg n for iish tea. toaether 18th
a notable number Of w~elEknown per-
Sc INDY a only
time when theatrical stars were free,
Mrs. Garvin had chosen that night for
their entertainment.
She luttered about the table like
a small bird twittering over a re-
splendent flower bed and hoped thai
nothing would occur to mar the beauty
of In expected joyous evening. AIRS.
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 were 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 docrbeli
rang and the first of the twelve ex-
pected 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 at 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
ments.
Another moment and the telephone
rang. Drina could not come and there
would of necessity be a 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
to meet you" she told him with
dainty iattery in her eyes. 1T is her
loss, however, that she is unable to
be here"
The great actor rewarded her rat
terry with his whimsical smile.
Il can assure you l will not notice the
absence of-anyone,' he returned, and
Mrs. Garvin blushed prettily.
1T cuts our nainber down to thir-
teen, though" she said laughIagly. 81
hope you are not superstitious. SIR
john" she added. and vas startled By
a quick glance he cast over the guests.
But l am. Sir John told her
frankly, Il cannot sit down with thir-
teen at table. The greatest loss ]
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 lock as sweet as
a new-blown rose in that pink blouse"
Mrs. Garvin told her.
Enid Gray was flushed and inwardly
trembling as Mrs. Garyin pulled her
by the hand into that assemblage of
notable people, but outwardly she ex-
pressed the calm of a placid lake. The
ordeal Of presentation was most try
ing, and only when she was seated be-
side the guest of honor did 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 a good girl he
told her with his delightful smile. q
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 name tea proceed
ed with more merrinent than it would
have had Drina Warden graced the
table with her presence.
Later when the guests returned to
the drawing room. each carrying a
manikin representing Sir John, Miss
Gray would have slipped off to the
nursery ndu not MIS- GafYlS detained
her.
NO, no." she commanded, putting
a 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 us
can sing a note"
When Enid retired to her room that
night her eyes were sparkling and her
cheeks flushed. She stiIl felt the warm
thrill that had swept over her when
Sir John had drawn her hand close
within his W and the look IN lis
eyes when he had said to her. q have
always regretted my supersti5ien-un-
til tonight. Now-it IS a most wonder
full asset"