The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-21

!alais floor Of dia- 14Mh #@ W
l1onds. =- ~ 6: "a
Keeping abreast Of the times, the
couples were skating the one-step
the hesitation, the fox trot and many
other trots they had learned to step
off on the dancing floor.
Barbara Hamilton had been invited
to Join a skating party. and she had
accepted the invitation with alacrity,
for If there was one thing she had
always done we'll it was to skate. She
stood alone near the bank Of the river
watching the members Of her party do
all sorts Of dance steps she had never
even heard of either on the ice or OF.
She had tried to skate with one or two
of the young men, but when they
found her starting off In the good old
fashioned gliding motion they were
surprised and made apologies and ex-
cuses. and did not ask her again.
"Oh, Barbara" cried her hostess,
/ stopping in the midst of an intricate
one-step variation. don't you skater"
Barbara forced laugh. 81 have
I skated all my life, but I've never
danced on the ice," she said.
I'm sorry-so sorry never thought
to ask you, young Mrs. Holt said.
Perhaps Miss Hamilton would be
one of the judges in the competition"
suggested the pleasant-faced young
man with Mrs. Holt.
"Oh, would you, Barbara" Mrs.
Holt asked, quickly.
If l could. gladly Barbara replied.
George Mason Is to be one," the
young man went on. MAY I present
him."
Barbara was left with Mrs. Holt
while the young man skated of in
search Of his friend, the Judge of the
contest. He soon returned with
Quiet-looking man in brown skating
costume. George Mason was duly
presented and Mrs. Holt and her part.
ner skated off in another whirl of
steps.
I'm afraid I'm a pretty poor selec-
ton for Judge" said Mason, looking
down into Barbara's face. II abom.
mate all this razzle-dazzle on skates"
Barbara gave him such a grateful
look that he stepped back in mock
fear. You do?" she cried, laughing.
Il do" he nodded. Shall we skate
as we please and defy convention?" he
asked.
For answer Barbara turned and
crossed her arms, giving him her right
hand IN his right under her left arm
and they swayed away together.
AS they skated against the cold.
sharp wind. getting nearer and nearer
the strains Of music, their converse.
ton grew less animated. It was
enough that they were together in this
glorious crisp air on SO perfect a
night, and neither one seemed to find
1t necessary to speak.
they were pounced upon veritably
by Mrs. Holt and her partner when
they skated into the little group near
the bank.
where were your" Mrs. Holt asked.
We've looked everywhere, George"
aooed the young man, who was still
Mrs. Hollis partner.
Too bad" Mason said, but Miss
Hamilton and l have been taking a
Dracer, an old-fashioned turn up the
river and back. Where do we stand?"
over by the musicians" Mrs Holt
remarked. And do your best-it's so
exciting" she gushed.
we WILL" Barbara returned. skat.
Ing on beside George Mason. 81 euass
we can tell grace when we see II anv'
way-even If We are antiques" she
laughed. one
! can-rve already given the prize
IN my own mind" the man laughed
Ihats not fair" Barbara replied
tnough she knew we'll what he meant
Aiter that they gave their attention
70 the figures and elected the comics
VINO seemed most deserving of The
trophies. Mrs. Holt and her vorne
partner were not among the prize win.
ners' ror both Barbara and her coI.
league decided that their steps were
TOO exaggerated for grace.
AND yet I'd like to give them q +,
prize" Mason said. ~ q
Why!" asked Barbara.
because they introduced me n
you, he said, shamelessly.
Dbl" Barbara said couno, I
sively. p' eneii-
Inc trophies were presented at tho !
little supper party at the homo - nv rue
, Hoi., and at it Barbara and Georea
mason sat side by side and ta,ked 50
no one but each other and thought y, |
no one but each other. All of wb,oh !
was not very polite, but all 20 fe,- =. i