“The Count and the Wedding Guest”
This story begins with the character introduction of Andy Donovan. He was invited to dinner at a friends house and one of the other invitees was a young lady named Miss Conway. Andy is struck by her beauty and decides to persue her. The next day, Miss Conway and Andy Donovan run into each other outside her candy store. Andy quickly strikes up a conversation to get the attention of the young prey. They then take a walk in the park to keep each other company. Andy quickly noticies the black clothing that Miss Conway is wearing and askes if she is mourning someone. Miss Conway explains that she is mourning the death of her fiance, Count Fernando Mazzini. Miss Conway then shows him a locket with the count’s picture inside. Andy is then invited back to Miss Conway’s home and is shown a larger picture of the Count. Andy is quite fond of Miss Conway and she grows very fond of him and they soon announce their engagement.
The story fast forwards a little to Andy and Miss Conway sitting in the park. Miss Conway noticies her new fiance acting a little glommy. Andy finally explains that he had just met “Big Mike” Sullivan in the city today and Andy invited him to the wedding. To change the subject Andy asked Miss Conway if she still had any feelings for the Count and Miss Conway broke down in tears. She explained that she was a liar. She was never engaged and had only made up the entire story to gain some confidence in her circle of friends. She also explained that she purchased the picture in a local store. She begged for his forgiveness. Andy ironically explained that the man in the picture that she had in her locket was of none other than “Big Mike” Sullivan and he was just waiting for her to confess to the truth.
