Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1915-05-20
TO HEAD THE DANCE
BY HOPE AINsLEe.


Copyright. Mcclure Newspaper syndicate,
Hrs. Meliedge. 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 Nv
ing she had been glad to help her to
get dancing class In the city.
III have the sweetest little Martins
Washington you ever Faw." she told
Mrs. Ramsey at a committee meeting
On the following day.
And wait till you see my Geo-Ts
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 ecommittee
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 bali.
When Corinne arrived at the home
of Mr.. and Mrs. MeIledge and was
placed before a cheerful hickory fra
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 g.4i'a
chair. Don't you want TO see it?''
Corinne slipped her hand into that
OF her friend and sighed Where ia
It? And my partner? Has he Gomez"
che 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
Melledge-I-oh. why did you select
him?"
Mrs. Melledge stood up end looked
searchingly at the girl. 'Why-what's
the matter, dear? Do you know him p
Ccrinne covered her face with her
hands. Know him? I-shou!d. say.
did know him"
At last Corinne looked up. Isn't
there someone else who could -
this march, dear Mrs Melledge? 81
just can't do it with-Marden," she
said.
'Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell
edge tried to laugh of what threat.
ened to be a tragic ending OF her
plans.
'He-we were engaged" Corinne
began. When I had to leave home
and find employment told him
could not marry him because-oh,
well. you know how q girl feels VINO
has always had all had"
Mrs. Melledge put her arms about
the girl. Don't you suppose this IL
fate-this chance coming together
dear?" she asked.
OH don't know" sobbeu Cori1ne
her head down on her arms. II
was thinking OF him when you came
In. and-oh. ] am 80 tired. Let n
go to bed and I'll promise TO behave
tomorrow anG-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 10 hide her tears.
Mrs. MelledGe followed her Il,
You like. dear-Oh. HERBERT" she eX
claimed. seeing the form OF her nus.
band in the door Quick. Corinre"
to tho girl
Herbert Melledge was followed hy
their neighbor. Mr. Ramsey. and g
tan. serious young man. Helen, Rom
sey wanted you to meet &r. Drew bs
fore this party is pulled oT-why, &C
rinne-ycu here. too This is iuci.!'
so you are to be my Martha Wash.
ington?" Marden Drew said. calmly,
when they had been left alone togeth.
er by their tactful hostess.
had been asked to-" Corinne
whispered
Had been?" the man echoed
Cortnne laughed nervously. Eyes
i am to help you to lead the march
on Monday she said.
Wouldn't IL be a good idea If we
were to plan TO get ourselves on bet
ter terms before trying to lead 4
march of merry dancers, Corinne?"
he. asked. stepping closer to her.
"lt-might look better"
ut might look better-and feel bet
ter and be better" announced Mar
den. taking her hands firmly "rve
tried to find you in New York I've
done everything to locate you and
now that ! have you I shall not let
you go. I'll come over here tonight
and invite our hosts and hostesses,
respectfully, to be contented with a
long game OF bridge. I'll tell them
| have much to tell you that we
have 10 rehearsa our steps-that-
that you are my hancee and that we
haven't seen each other for a year
So be prepared TO substantiate my
statements and"
But Corinne, girllike. was crying
again. but this time for Joy. and when
he held her in his arms and told her
what she wanted 20 hear, neither OF
them saw Mr. and Mrs. Melledge and