The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1915-04-01
TO HEAD The DANCE
BY HOPE AINsLEE.

village CIVIC ieAgue, fetL very mucu
satisfied with her selection of Corinno
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 Il help her to
get a dancing class In the city.
"TT have the sweetest little Martha
Washington you ever saw" she told
Mrs. Ramsey at q 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 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 earner 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 giri'N
chair. Don't you want TO see itY"
Corinne slipped her hand into that
OF her friend and sighed. Where h
it? And my partner? Has he conner
she asked.
Hes to be here tonight, Marden
Drew, no less, my dear!"
Corinne shrank into the orner 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 know him."
Corinne covered her face with he's
hands. Know him? should say
Ibid know him."
At last Corinne looked up. "Isnt
there someone else who could lead
this march. dear Mrs. Melledge? !
just can't do 1t with-Marden," she
said.
"Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell
edge tried to laugh of what threat
ened to be a tragic ending OF he's
plans.
"He-we were engaged" Corinne
began. when / had to leave homs
and find employment I told him I
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 ID
fate-this chance coming together,
dear?" she asked. K
"Oh-I don't know" sobbed Corinne,
her head down on her arms. II
was thinking Of him when you came
In, and-oh, I 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 so silly" she said, rising.
her arm across her face like that Of
a little girl trying to hide her tears.
Mrs. Melledge followed her. IA
you like, dear-Oh. Herbert" she en-
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 on-why. Co
rinne-you here, too? This Is iuck!"
so you are to be my Martha Wash
ington?" Marden Drew said. calmly.
when they had been left alone togeths
er by their tactful hostess.
had been asked to-" Corinna
whispered.
Had been?" the man echoed.
Corinne laughed nervously. yes
II am to help you to lead the march
on Monday" she said.
Wouldn't 1t be a good idea II we
were to plan to get ourselves on bet
ter terms before trying to lead .
march of merry dancers, Corinne?"
he asked, stepping closer to her.
"It-might look better"
"It 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 l have you shall not let
vou % TIL coma over hare tonight