Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-15
TWO AUGUSTA STORIES.
An Expert Schemes and His Novel
Scheme.
The Experiences Of wilkins At His Flrs
Dancing school.

4 fantastic, when taking a night off
duty. in the ball room, that he once
nearly broke up a dancing school by
his awkwardness and quick temper
1t was in the winter of rs that he
decided to go to dancing school, TO
be benefited in the line of grace, and
to have chance to meet the members
of the gentler sex. It was an easy
matter to get partner to go with him.
and so, upon the first night of the
school, armed with him fair partner,
he went to the hall, his head filed with
confidence in his ability to become the
best dancer upon the Kennebec.
After a few Introductory remarks,
and few moments passed in explain
ing how to salute properly, the master
had them find seats, the gentlemen on
one side of the hall and the ladies on
the other. Each was numbered, there
being one lady and one gentleman Of
each number. and they were directed
to arise as their numbers We're called,
advance to the center of the floor and
salute.
| Being a great mathematician, Will
kins saw that the lady on the opposite
side of the hall, who was the 18th, that
being his number, was one of the seven
story high, $50 pound kind. while No
II was an exceedingly pretty girl, and
the next step taken by him was the
one that caused all the disaster and
came near ending his career as Il
dancer He decided that Is was an un-
lucky number. and he must get rid of
| it, so he said to number u. meek
looking little fellow. will you kindly
change seats with me just for a
minute while l speak to Jones?p OF
course the little fellow obligingly COM
piled with the request.
When number II. Jones, was called.
Wilkins did not offer to change seats
again, and when the master called for
II he, with brazen cheek, got up in an
amazingly quick manner and walked
off with his prize. the pretty girl AS
the meek little fellow responded to the
call for number IS, he cast look Of re
proach at wilkins. but that gentleman
was heartless.
Then began the dance and Wilkins
| found that the confidence that he had
in his head at the start had not got
into his feet. and he also discovered
| that the cherub disliked the worst of
| anything to dance with poor dancer,
and the way she Stat him around was a
caution. At the same time the large
lady. whom he had so unceremoniously
was showing the little fellow how to
conquer the maZes of the dance in IL
most motherly fashion. Taken all to-
gether. Wilkins saw that he had made
a mistake. and every moment he grew
angrier with himself until after push
from his pretty partner he stopped
right in the midst of the set and re-
fused to move. This, of course. stopped
| the entire set from dancing. and the
master came up, angrily asking what
was the matter
! 1T means said Wilkins slowly,
that this young lady seems to think
that she has got contract to throw {.
cord of wood up a flight of stairs. and
she has mistaken me for the wood.
Naturally l object
Well what are you to do about il ,"
asked the master
Il am going to put on my wraps and
bid you all fond adieu." and suitinS
the action to his words. he started for
the dressing room door.
Right here the master saw he would
lose two scholars, and as neither had
yet paid, he saw that unless he used Il
little diplomacy he would lose four
good dollars. SO he said, Now don't
get discouraged You are doing Won
derfully we'll"
Yes, l know l am" bitterly said
Wilkins. Il expect to be an Arch Adept
of the terpsichorean art in short
time
Nevertheless, Wilkins staid. and he
is now glad that he did SO. for it has
given him many a happy evening
since, while indulging in the art. and
among men in every day life, he is
easily picked out as a good dancer by
his graceful carriage.
The champion schemer of the state
was discovered. Monday and if he
keeps scheming all his life, land it works
as successfully as it did Monday, he
will be rich man unless he dies
young.
A gentleman with a load Of hay hal
|Merit Will Win
- TIC or1v 4, c,,ectiOr Of ti,1oe4