The Count and the Wedding Guest (Henry)
from the Collection «The Trimmed Lamp»
Short Summary
New York City, early 1900s. Andy Donovan, a charming young man, met Miss Conway, a new boarder at his Second Avenue boarding-house. Initially unimpressed, Andy's interest was piqued when he saw Miss Conway in mourning attire, claiming to grieve for her deceased Italian count fiancé.
Andy comforted Miss Conway and they began dating. They announced their engagement a month later. However, Andy became troubled when he couldn't invite his influential friend, Big Mike Sullivan, to the wedding due to an undisclosed reason.
When Andy asked if Maggie loved him as much as the Count, she broke down and confessed her deception.
Andy, I've lied to you, and you'll never marry me, or love me any more. But I feel that I've got to tell. Andy, there never was so much as the little finger of a count. I never had a beau in my life.
Maggie revealed she had invented the story of the Count and bought his photograph to make herself more appealing. To her surprise, Andy was relieved and forgave her. The story concluded with Andy realizing that the photograph Maggie had been using was actually of Big Mike Sullivan, resolving his earlier dilemma.
Detailed Summary
The division of the summary into chapters is conditional.
The Introduction of Miss Conway
At a Second Avenue boarding-house, Andy Donovan was introduced to a new boarder, Miss Conway, by Mrs. Scott. Miss Conway appeared unobtrusive, wearing a plain, snuffy-brown dress.
Miss Conway was small and unobtrusive. She wore a plain, snuffy-brown dress, and bestowed her interest, which seemed languid, upon her plate. She lifted her diffident eyelids and shot one perspicuous, judicial glance at Mr. Donovan
Andy Donovan initially dismissed Miss Conway from his consideration. However, two weeks later, he encountered her again on the front steps of the boarding-house. This time, Miss Conway was dressed entirely in black, with a striking appearance that caught Andy's attention.
The Mourning Deception
Miss Conway's appearance in mourning attire piqued Andy's interest. She explained that she was grieving for her fiancé, Count Fernando Mazzini, who had supposedly died in a gondola accident in Italy. Miss Conway shared details of her engagement, her father's initial objections, and how she came to work in a candy store after the Count's departure to Italy.
Gather the idea, girls—all black, you know, with the preference for crêpe de—oh, crêpe de Chine—that's it. All black, and that sad, faraway look, and the hair shining under the black veil ... and be sure to happen out the door at the right moment
Andy, moved by Miss Conway's story, offered his sympathy and friendship. He was determined to win her affection, despite her apparent devotion to her deceased fiancé.
Now, girls, if you want to observe a young man hustle out after a pick and shovel, just tell him that your heart is in some other fellow's grave. Young men are grave-robbers by nature. Ask any widow.
The Courtship and Engagement
Over the next month, Andy courted Miss Conway, offering sympathy and companionship. Despite her continued mourning, their relationship progressed, and they announced their engagement to the other boarders.
A subtle task confronted Mr. Donovan—that of supplanting the unfortunate Count in the heart of Miss Conway. This his admiration for her determined him to do. But the magnitude of the undertaking did not seem to weigh upon his spirits.
However, Andy became troubled by the thought that he couldn't invite his friend and political mentor, Big Mike Sullivan, to their wedding. When Miss Conway questioned his somber mood, Andy explained the importance of Big Mike in his life and career.
The Revelation and Resolution
Moved by Andy's distress, Miss Conway broke down and confessed that she had invented the story of Count Mazzini. She admitted to never having had a beau and creating the fictional fiancé to make herself more appealing. To Andy's relief and joy, he forgave her deception immediately.
Sure, said Andy. It's all right about that. Back to the cemetery for the Count. You've straightened everything out, Maggie. I was in hopes you would before the wedding-day. Bully girl!
In a final twist, Andy revealed that he had known all along that Miss Conway's story was false. The photograph she had shown him of her supposed fiancé was actually a picture of Big Mike Sullivan.
Well, not to any large extent, said Andy, reaching for his cigar case; because it's Big Mike Sullivan's picture you've got in that locket of yours.
The story concluded with both Andy and Miss Conway's deceptions revealed, paving the way for an honest relationship and, presumably, a happy marriage.