“Oh, yes,” said the others; “let’s hear what Marshall’s luck will be.”
We were introduced; his name was Louis Warner, and on looking at my hand he began to tell my characteristics with an accuracy which was startling. I had no opportunity for conversation with him that evening, so I invited him to lunch with me the next day. He came and we had a very interesting chat about palmistry. I asked him if he made a business of it and he said he did not—he was an actor, and playing at the Princess Theatre.
“Do you ever think of taking up palmistry as a business?” I asked.
“No,” he answered, “but I may some day.”
I told him I thought there was a great deal of money in it, to which he assented. During the conversation he kept calling me Mr. Marshall; when I corrected his mistake and told him what my name was, he was much surprised, and asked my pardon for making the mistake. I told him I was glad he had, for it showed me more clearly the truth of his palmistry.
“Of course I know you by reputation,” he said. “You did a great deal for Heron-Allen in America, helping him to get acquainted there.”
“Yes,” I replied, “and if you ever come over there I’ll do what I can to introduce you.”
A year later I was walking through the corridor of the Imperial Hotel (New York) when I was stopped by a gentleman, who said:
“You don’t remember me, do you, Mr. Wilder?”