The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-04-09
TO HEAD The DANCE
BY HOPE AINsLEE.

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 q 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 1t known-he's a most +,
popular dancing man in fashionable
circle in town"
The members of the committee
we're 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 APP
preaching ball
When Corinne arrived at the homo
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
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 tho
fire and sat on the arm. Of the girls
chair. Don't you want to see it?"
Corinne slipped her hand into that
lof her friend and sighed. Where 10
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-1-oh. why did you select
Ihim?"
Mrs. Melledge stood up and looked
searchingly at the girl. "Why-what's
the matter, dear? DO you lnow him?'
Corinne covered her facH 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-Marien," she
said.
'Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell
edge tried to laugh of what threat
ened to be tragic ending; Of hel
plans.
; "He-we were engaged" Corinne
: began. when I had to leave home
: and find employment told him
could not marry him beca,lse-oh
we'll, you know how a girl fels who
, has always had AN had"
Mrs. Melledge put her armt about
,, the girl. Don't you suppose this II
fate-this chance coming tovether
dear?" she asked.
"Oh-1 don't know" sobbed c. rhine
her head down on her arms. Z
was thinking Of him when you came
! in, and--oh, I am so tired Lt nj
!, go to bed and I'll promise to behave
. tomorrow and-do what is best. In
t. sorry to be so silly" she said, rising
her arm across her face like that o
n little girl trying to hide her tears.
: Mrs. Melledge followed her. IL
you like. dcar-Oh, Herbert" she ex
claimed. seeing the form Of her hus
band in the door Quick. Corinne.
to the girl.
:. Herbert Melledge was followed b.
= their neighbor. Mr.. Ramsey, and
!, tall. serious young man. Helen, Ram
sey wanted you to meet Mr.. Drew be
. fore this party is pulled off-why, CO
rinne-you here too? This IL tuck!
= $50 you are to be my Martha Wash
!. ington?" Marden Drew said, calmly
:, !, when they had been left alone tOgeth
. er by their tactful hostess.
:. "I-had been asked to-" Corinn'
. ~hispered
Had been?" the man echoed.
Corinne laughed nervously "Ye
;. II am to help you to lead the marcl
. on Monday" she said
= wouldn't II be a good idea II WI
). we're to plan to get ourselves on bet
ter terms before trying to lead
march of merry dancers, Corlnne?
he asked stepping closer to her
"It-might look better"
!. at might look better-and feel bet
: :. GER and be better" announced Mar
: den, taking her hands firmly. "Tv'
: tried to find you in New York w
:. done everything to locate you an'
: now that 7 have you shall not lie
you &C I'll come over here tonigh
and invite our hosts and hostesses
respectfully, to be contented with
! long game OF bridge. I'll tell then
y I have much to tell you - that VI
have 20 rehearse our steps-that-
7 that you are my fiancee and that VI
: haven't seen each other for a year
u So be prepared to substantiate m,
statements and"
4 But Corinne, girllike. was cryinl
II again, but this time for Joy. and whe'
E he held her In his arms and told he
= what she wanted to hear, neither o