The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1915-05-12
TO HEAD THE DANCE :.
&c
BY HOPE AINsLEE.

Mrs. Melledge, president of the
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 dancing class in the city. |
'Pll 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 it known-he's a 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 wed 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 Mel1edge 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
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,"
CoriTne slipped her hand into that
of her friend and sighed. Where is
it? And my partner? Has he Gomez
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.
ledge-I-oh, why did you select
him."
Mrs MelIedge stood up and looked
searchingly at the girl. "Why-whats
the matter, dear? DO you know him?'
| Corinne covered her face with her
: hands. Know him? should say
did know him I"
: At last Corinne looked up. +Tsn''
II there, someone else who could lead
this march, dear Mrs Menedge?
/. just cant do it with-Marden," she
E said
e ''Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell
+ edge tried to laugh off what threat
: ened to be a tragic ending of hel
l. plans.
/ "He-we were engaged, Corinne
\ began. When / had to leave home
e and find employment I told him
/, could not marry him because-oh
/ well, you know how girl feels wis
9 has always had all l had"
E Mrs. Melledge put her arms abou
! the girl. Don't you suppose this i
! fate-this chance coming together
dear?" she asked.
OH don't know" sobbed Corinne
o her head down on her arms 4
: was thinking of him when you cam
in, and-oh, l am so tired. Let m
go to bed and I'll promise to behav
tomorrow and-do what is best II
f sorry to be so silly" she said, rising
Ell her arm across her face like that c
a little girl trying to hide her tears.
q Mrs. Melledge followed her. q
k you like, dear-Oh HERBERT" she e.
claimed. seeing the form of her hui
d band in the door Quick, Corinne
$. to the girl
Herbert Melledge was followed b
y their neighbor, Mr.. Ramsey. and
- tall, serious young man. Helen, Ran
. sey wanted you to meet Mr.. Drew b.
j fore this party is pulled off-why, c.
20 rinne-you here. too? This is tuck!
"a so you are to be my Martha Wasl
I'd ington?" Marden Drew said, calml,
when they had been left alone togetl
h er by their tactful hostess
Y. 'I--had been asked to- Corinn
e whispered
a, Had been?" the man echoed.
y Corinne laughed nervously. eye
a. Il am to help you to lead the marc
- on Monday" she said.
he f'Wouldn't it be a good idea if "
h were to plan to get ourselves on be
ter terms before trying to lead
march of merry dancers, Corinnet
he asked. stepping closer to her.
"a "It-might look better"
st might look better-and feel be
ter and be better" announced Ma
den. taking her hands firmly. "I'y
tried to find you in New York I'1
done everything to locate you an
= now that have you I shall not i
you go. I'll come over here tonigl
and invite our hosts and hostesse
respectfully, to be contented with