Mrs Richard Cummings is about to entertain the committee of the village aportas club in her home at Sheepscomb, Berks. Suddenly it is discovered that there will be thirteen sitting down to dinner, and great consternation ensues. The servants refuse to carry on, whilst even some of the guests appear nervous. Then a Mrs Townley arrives with her contribution of fifty pounds towards the prizes. Although of the vulgar sort and disliked generally, the guests, seeing that they will get no dinner if sometimes is not done, agree that she should stay and help them out. Further trouble is in store, however, for a note arrives from Mrs Goodleigh saying that her baby was whooping-cough, and the party is therefore once more reduced to thirteen. Then a Miss Lightfoot arrives about a subscription for an orphange. She is unknown to everyone, but is immediately seized upon as an extra. Suddenly the lights go out, and then candles are brought it is discovered that all the prizes have disappeared - so has Miss Lightfoot.