The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1915-04-08
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 wal
time conditions to earn her own liv.
Ing she had been glad to help her to
get a dancing class in the city.
I'll have the sweetest little Martha
Washington you ever saw" she told
Mrs. Ramsey at a committee meeting
IN 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 nan in a 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
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 is
1t? And my partner? Has he Gomez"
she asked.
Hes to be here tonight, Marden
Drew, nc less, my dear!"
Corinne shrank into the corner Of
her chair. "Marden Drew! Oh, Mrs.
Melledge-1-oh, why did you select
him?"
Mrs. Melledge stood up and looked
searchingly at the girl. "Why-what'a
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 can't do it with-Marden," she
said.
"Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell.
edge tried to laugh off what threat
ened to be a tragic ending of he1
plans.
"He-we were engaged" Corinne
began. when I had to leave home
and find employment I told him !
could not marry him because-oh
well, you know how a girl feels who
has always had all I had"
Mrs. Melledge put her arms about
the girl. Don't you suppose this il
fate-this chance coming together
dear?" she asked.
"Oh-1 don't know" sobbed Corinne
her head down on her arms. "I-]
vas thinking Of him when you came
in, and-oh, l am so tired. Let ms
60 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 cross her face like that Of
a little girl trying to hide her tears.
Mrs. Melledge followed her. I'll
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, MI. Ramsey, and
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 luck!'
80 you are to be my Martha Wash
ington?" Marden Drew said, calmly
when they had been left alone togeth
er by their tactful hostess.
"l-had been asked to-" Corinne
whispered.
Had been?' the man echoed.
Corinne laughed nervously. "YeI
II am to help you to lead the march
on Monday" she said.