Effie Whittlesy by George Ade, 1886
The magic trick:
A remarkable coincidence at the story’s start to set up the conflict
This will rank among my more obvious magic tricks in this site’s esteemed 11-plud years. But what can you do? Sometimes it’s very simple.
“Effie Whittlesy” is a story with a perfect plot twist at its start. Ed Wallace returns home one night to hear from his wife about an amazing new servant she’s hired. Shocking then when he meets the servant and recognizes her from his past. Ooh. That’s strong plotting.
And that’s quite a trick on Ade’s part.
The selection:
Mrs. Wallace assisted her husband to remove his overcoat and put her warm palms against his red and wind-beaten cheeks.
“I have good news,” said she.
“Another bargain sale?”
“Pshaw, no! A new girl, and I really believe she’s a jewel.”
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