The Washington herald., 1915-02-22

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 know him?"
Corinne covered her face with her
hands. Know him? I should say
did know him"
There was silence for . moment be-
tween the two women.
At last Corinne looked up. isn't
there some one else who could lead
this march, dear Mrs. Melledge?
just can't do II with-Marden," she
said.
"Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Mel
ledge tried to laugh off what threat
ened to be a tragic ending of her
plans.
"He-we were engaged" Corinne be-
gan. when l had to leave home and
find employment l told him 1 could
not marry him because-on. we'll, you
know how a girl feels who has always
had all I had. She-she sometimes
acts foolishly. He told me l had no
faith in his love-that I was merely
finding an excuse to get out Of marry
ing him and-we-we had a dreadful
quarrel Then he left home, too. and
we have never seen each other since.
That's ALL"
Mrs. Melledge put her arms about
the girl. Don't you suppose this is
fate-this chance coming together,
dear?" she asked.
OH don't know" sobbed Corinne.
her head down on her arms. II was
thinking of him when you came in.
and-oh, l am SO tired. Let me go to
bed and I'll promise to behave tomor-
row 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. IF you
like, dear-Oh. Herbert" she exclaim-
ed. seeing the form of her husband
In the door. quick, Corinne." to the
girl.
Herbert Melledge was followed by
their neighbor. Mr.. Ramsey. and a tall.
serious young man. Helen. Ramsey
wanted you to meet Mr.. Drew before
this party is pulled off-why. Corinne
you here. too? This is luck!"
Someway or other, the introductions
were made and both Corinne and Mar
den Drew carried the situation won
derfully, and finally, at the tactful
arrangement of their hostess. stood
facing each other in front of the fire.
place. Afterward. Corinne marveled at
the strategy of it all. At the time, she
only wished she had not given herself
over to tears. She knew the searching
eyes of Marden Drew could detect
their late presence.
so you are to be my Martha Wash
ington" Marden Drew said. calmly.
albeit his heart was humping wildly.
'T-had been asked to-" Corinne
whispered.
Had been?" the man echoed.
Corinne laughed ne.vously. Yes
Il am to help you to lead the march
on Monday" she said.
Wouldn't II be a good idea II we
were to plan to get ourselves on bet
ter terms before trying to lead a
march Of merry dancers. Corinne?" he
asked. stepping closer to her.
"It-might look better"
TT 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 I have you I shall not let
you go. I'll come over here tonight
and invite our hosts and hostesses,
to be contented with a
long game Of bridge. I'll tell them
I have much to tell you-that we have to
rehearse our steps-that-that you are
my fiancee and that we haven't seen
each other for a year. So be prepared
to substantiate my statements and"
But Corinne. girl-like. was crying
again. but this time for Joy, and when
he held her in his arms ana told her
what she wanted to hear, neither Of
them saw Mr.. and Mrs. Melledge and
Mr.. Ramsey pass the door and dis |
creetly turn their heads away.