The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-04-14
TO HEAD the DANCE
BY HOPE AINslEE.

~ tIOP6 AuNo6ees
Copyright. Mcclure Newspaper synaicats.)
Mrs. Melledge, president Of the
Village Civic league, 9elt very much
satisfied with her selection of Corinno
Long a. Martha Washington to lead
the march In the dance to be given
by the organisation on the approach.
ing patriotic holiday. She had al
ways been fond Of Corinne, and when
the girl had been forced through war
time conditions to earn her own liv.
ing she had been glad to help her to
get dancing class in the city.
I'll have the sweetest little Martha
Washington you ever saw" she told
Mrs. Ramsey at . committee meeting
on the following day.
And wait till you see my George
Washington" Mrs. Ramsey counter.
enthused. "And he dances perfectly.
I'm fortunate In being able to secure
him, for-be 1t known-he's a most
popular dancing man in q fashionable
circle In town."
The members of the committee
were naturally curious as to the iden-
tity Of their leaders-to-be. An the
town girls We'd with each other in
planning their costumes and the men
Of the town sought city costumers for
colonial suits for themselves. Much
interest was manifested in the ap-
preaching ball.
When Corinne arrived at the home
Of Mr.. and Mrs. Melledge and was
placed before a cheerful hickory fire
in the great dining room, she sighed
more contentedly than she had sighed
on any evening since she had become
a wage Garner in the great city. This
was her first real holiday, and she
felt, once more, like the old Corinne
who used to be q member Of house
parties in fashionable suburbs. with
dancing and gayety in prospect. How
little she had appreciated her care
free existence Of those days. How
little!
you haven't showed the slightest
interest in your gown. Corinne," said
Mrs. Melledge. as she approached the
fire and sat on the arm Of the girls
chair. Don't you want to see IT,"
Corinne slipped her hand into that
Of her friend and sighed. Where 10
It? And my partner? Has he conner"
she asked.
He's to be here tonight, Marden
Drew. no less, my dear!"
Corinne shrank into the corner Of
her chair. "Marden Drew! Oh, Mrs.
Melledge-I-oh. why did you select
him?'
Mrs. Melledge stood up and looked
searchingly at the girl. "Why-what's
the matter. dear? Do you lnow him?'
Corinne covered her fac0 with her
hands. Know him? I-should say
did know him."
At last Corinne looked UP. isn't
there someone else who could lead
this march. dear Mrs. Melledge? ]
Just can't do II with-Marlen," she
said.
"Nonsense-why mott" Mrs. Nell
edge tried to laugh on what threat
ened to be . tragic ending: Of her
plans.
"He-we were engaged" Corinne
began. when I had to leave home
and fnd employment told him
could not marry him beca,ne-oh,
we'll, you know how q girl fe,ls who
| has ALWAYS had all I had"
Mrs. Melledge put her armi about
the girl. Don't you suppose this ia
fate-this chance coming together
dear?" she asked.
"Oh-l don't know" sobbed c. rinne
her head down on her arms. Il
was thinking Of him when you came
in, and-oh. am SO tired. LIT me
90 to bed and I'll promise to behave
tomorrow and-do what Is best. I'm
sorry to be so silly" she said, rising
her arm across her face like that Of
little girl trying to hide her tears.
Mrs. Melledge followed her. III
you like, dear-Oh, Herbert" she ex
claimed. seeing the form Of her hus
band in the door Quick, Corinne,
to the girl.
Herbert Melledge was followed by
their neighbor, Mr.. Ramsey, and q
tall. serious young man. Helen. Ram
sey wanted you to meet Mr.. Drew be
fore this party is pulled of-why, Co
yinne-you here, too7 This is iuck!"
$50 you are to be my Martha Wash
ington?" Marden Drew said. calmly
when they had been left alone togeth'
er by their tactful hostess.
"T-had been asked TO-" Corinne
~hispered.
Had been?" the man echoed.
Corinne laughed nervously. "Yea
II am to help you to lead the march
Oh Monday" she said.
Wouldn't 1t be a good idea II we
we're to plan to get ourselves on bet
ter terms before trying to lead q
march Of merry dancers, Corinne?'
he asked. stepping closer to her.
"It--might look better"
at might look better-and feel bet.
Ter and be better" announced Mar
den. taking her hands firmly. I've
tried to find you in New York. I've
done everything to locate you and
now that have you I shall not let
you &C. til come over here tonight
and invite our hosts and hostesses,
respectfully, to be contented with
long game Of bridge. I'll tell them
1 have much to tell you - that we
have to rehearse our steps-that-
that you are my flancee and that We
haven't seen each other for q year.
30 be prepared to substantiate my
statements and"
But Corinne. girl-like. was crying