The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1915-01-15
THAT UNLUCKY NUMBER
BY WALLACE HORTON.
lCopyright. 1914, by the Mcclure Newspa.


per SyndiCatcD
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 tiuttered about the table like
a small bird twittering over 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 Il mass
of laurel, and around it were placed
fourteen little mankins representing
Sir John in various parts through
which he had won his fame. The
little figures seemed to stroll about the
table.
y 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 were safely under the
roof of their hostess. When another
quarter OF Gn 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 fiattery in her eyes. 1T is her
loss however, that she is unable to
be here"
The great actor rewarded her fat
terry with his whimsical smile
Il can assure you will not notice the
absence of-anyone," he returned, and
Mrs. Garvin blushed prettily.
1T cuts our number down to thir-
teen, though" she said laughingly. 81
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
frankly, 81 cannot sit down with thir-
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 childrens nurse, pro-
tested in vain. you look as sweet as
a new-blown rose in that pink blouse"
Mrs. Garvin told her.
Enid Gray was flushed and inwardly
by the hand into that assemblage of
notable people, but outwardly she sx.
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 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. II
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 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 had not Mrs. Garvin detained
her.
mo, no." she commanded, putting
a determined hand on that of Enid
Gray, II 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 still felt the warm
thrill that had swept over her when
Sir John had drawn her hand close
within his own and the look in his
eyes when he had said to her, II have
always regretted my superstition-un-
til tonight. Now-it is most wonder
full asset"