“The Making of Mac’s” by P. G. Wodehouse is a short story that made me smile. Mac’s restaurant in Soho is popular, despite a lack of advertising and it being off the beaten track. The narrator learns that the head-waiter, Henry, had been at the restaurant since the beginning and asks Henry to tell him what gave the restaurant its start.

Henry tells of Old Mr. MacFarland who started the restaurant, but died leaving a college-aged son, Andy, and adopted daughter, Katie. Andy comes home and takes over the restaurant, but shortly after Katie announces that she is going to dance on the stage. Andy forbids her, but she tells him good-bye and pursues her dream. She’s a success and starts to bring the theater crowd to the restaurant for dinner in the evening, even though Andy totally ignores her. Mac’s chef is delighted with the rush and cooks delicious food for them; Henry and his waiters provide excellent service; the crowds keep coming.

Of course, Katie and Andy are actually in love, and it takes a near-tragedy for them to reconcile. Alright, I like a happy ending. This short, sweet story was just enjoyable, light, a nice way to start the week.

“The Making of Mac’s” was first published in the Strand in May 1915. I’m sure you can find it on-line several places, but I read it here.

I had not read any of Wodehouse’s short stories before, but I did listen to The Inimitable Jeeves last year, so I figured I was in for a treat.

4 out of 5 stars

John hosts Short Story Monday at The Book Mine Set. Head over there to see what he and others have been reading.

I read The Making of Mac’s on-line and the above is my honest opinion..

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