Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-06

MRS Garvin surveyed the dining table
lNI with delighted eyes. Certainly there
was little to complain Of in that daintiiy
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 a notable num-
ber Of well-known persons. Saturday eve
ming being the only time when theatrical
stars were free Mrs. Garvin had chosen
that night for their entertainment
She fluttered about the table like small
bird twitterng over a resplendent hover
bed and hoped that nothing would occur
TO mar the beauty Of an expected joyous
evening. Mrs. Garvin and her rctinue or
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 pass Of
laurel and around IL 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. so perfectly were they
fashioned Art, master workmanship ana
knowledge OF the drama had necessarily
combined to turn out the wonderful figures
that were Sir John Vance in miniature.
Mrs. Garvin rushed off to the nursery in
a burst of enthusiasm.
"Do bring the children in to see the table,
Mas Gray" she said 20 the slim girl who
was the children's loved nurse: ut doesn't
matter II they're in their nighties." she
added, when two little whte-clad figures
hurled themselves into her arms. She
hugged them tight, regardless Of exquisite
chiffons and laces, and trotted them on
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
az she had gazed at him over the foot
lights. But her envy OF the fortunate
women who were to have that pleasure was
short lived and she took the children OFF
TO the nursery with sense OF Joy that
she was not an envious nature.
A few moments later the door bell Gang
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 Garvln became anxious lest
something direful had happened to Drina
Warden that would prevent her coming and
| thus upset the entire table arrangements
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 OH
| the arm OF Sir John.
II wanted Drlna Warden especialIy--to
meet you" she told him with dainty fiat
| terry In her eyes. 1T IL her loss, however
| that she is unable TO be here"
The great actor rewarded her fattery
| with his whimsical smile.
II can assure you Will not notice the
| absence of--any one,v he returned. and
Mra. GarVin blunhed Drettilx III ;. II