The Lamar register., 1915-06-09
TO HEAD THE DANCE
BY HOPE AINsLEE.


Village Civic league, felt very much
satisfied with her selection of Corinne
Long as Martha Washington to lead
the march in the dance to be given
by the organization 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 a dancing class in the city.
"Tll have the sweetest little Martha
Washington you ever saw" she told
Mrs. Ramsey at a 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 IT known-he's most
popular dancing man in fashionable
circle in town"
The members OF the committee
were naturally curious as to the iden-
tity OF their leaders-to-be All 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 a 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
littlei
You haven't showed the slightest
interest in your gown, Corinne,' said
Mrs. Melledee. 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 is
IT? And my partner? Has he Gomez
she asked
Hes to be here tonight. Marden
Drew. no less. my dear"
Corinne shrank into the corner of
her chair. "Marden Drew! Oh. Mrs.
MeIledge-I-oh, why did you select
him2"
Mrs. Melledge stood up and looked
searchinFly at the girl ''Why-whats
the matter. dear? Do you know him.
Corinne covered her face 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 cant do it with-Marden. she
said
"Nonsense-why not?" Mrs Nell
edge tried to laugh of what threat
ened to be a tragic ending Of her
plans.
"He-we were engaged" Corinne
began When / had to leave home
and find employment I told him I
could not marry him because-oh
we'll, you know how a girl feels who
has always had all had"
Mrs Melledge put her arms about
the girl Don't you suppose this il
fate-this chance coming together
dear?" she asked
OH don't know" sobbeG Corinne,
her head down on her arms. IL
was thinking Of him when you came
in, and-oh, ] am so tired Let me
go to bed and I'll promise TO behave
tomorrow and-do what is best. I'm
sorry to be 80 silly" she said, rising
her arm across her face like that OF
a little girl trying to hide her tears.
Mrs. Meiledge 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 MeIledge was followed by
their neighboT, Mr. Ramsey, and a
tall, serious young man. Helen, Ram
sey wanted you to meet Mr. Drew be-
fore this party is pulled of why, Co.
rinne-you here, too? This is luckl"
so you are to be my Martha Wash
ington7" Marden Drew said. calmly,
when they had been left alone togeth.
err by their tactful hostess.
'T-had been asked to- Corinne
whispered.
Had beep7 the man echoed.
Corinne laughed nervously. Yes
Il am to help you to lead the march
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