The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-03-23
TO HEAD THE DANCE
BY HOPE AINslEE.

(Copyright, Mcclure Newspaper syno'ca'.'
Mrs. Melledge, president OF INC
Village Civic league, felt very mucn
satisfied with her selection OF Corlnne
Long AZ Martha Washington to ieao
the march in the dance to De gwen
by the organization on the approach
ing patriotic holiday. She had al
WAYS been fond of Corinne, and wnen
the girl had been forced through war
time conditions to earn her own Nv
Ing she had been glad to help her 10
get dancing class in the city.
'rll have the sweetest little Marina
Washington you ever saw" she tolo
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 perfectiy.
I'm fortunate in being able to secure
him. for-be 1t known-he's most
popular dancing man in q fashionaoie
circle in town."
The members of the committee
were naturally curious as to the iden'
tity of their leaders-to-be. All inc
town girls We'd with each other IN
planning their costumes and the men
Of the town sought city costumers lor
colonial suits for themselves. Mucn
interest was manifested In the ap'
preaching ball.
When Corinne arrived at the home
Of Mr.. and Mrs. Melledge and was
placed before q cheerful hickory nre
In the great dining room. she signed
more contentedly than she had signed
on any evening since she had become
a wage Garner in the great city. THIS
was her first real holiday, and sne
felt, once more, like the old Corinhe
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," salo
Mrs. Melledge, as she approached the
FIRE and sat on the arm Of the girls
chair. Don't you want to see IT.
Corinne slipped her hand into that
of her friend and sighed. Where IS
It? And my partner? Has he conner
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
Melledge-I-oh, why did you select
I him.
!, Mrs. Melledge stood up and looked
- searchingly at the girl. 'Why-whats
the matter, dear? Do you know him?
Corinne covered her face with hel
y hands. "Know him? I-should say
= did know him."
At last Corinne looked up Ism
there someone else who could leat
. this march, dear Mrs. Melledge?
lust can't do 1t with-Marden," sh'
!. said.
"Nonsense-why not?" Mrs. Nell
edge tried to laugh of what threat
ened to be tragic ending of he
. plans.
- "He-we were engaged" Corinn
:. began. when l had to leave HON
" and find employment told him
In could not marry him because-of
- we'll, you know how a girl feels wn
I" has always had all l had
Mrs. Melledge put her arms abor
.. the girl. Don't you suppose this
fate-this chance coming togethe
dear?" she asked
~. "Oh-I don't know" sobbea Corinn
her head down on her arms. e.
was thinking of him when you cam
4. in, and-oh. I am so tired. Let m
60 to bed and III promise TO behaN
tomorrow and-do what is best. T.
sorry to be so silly" she said, risin
IS her arm across her face like that
a little girl trying to hide her tears.
he Mrs. Melledge followed her, &
you like, dear-Oh, Herbert" she e
claimed. seeing the form Of her hu
band in the door. Quick, Corinne
FOR to the girl.
ma Herbert Melledge was followed
sh. their neighbor, Mr.. Ramsey. and
In tall, serious young man. Helen, Ra
in. sey wanted you to meet Mr.. Drew |
e's fore this party is pulled off-why. {
du- rinne-you here, too? This is tuck
$50 you are to be my Martha Was
ice ington?" Marden Drew said, calm
to when they had been left alone toget
az er by their tactful hostess.
no T-had been asked to-" CORN
out whispered.
md Had been?" the man echoed.
kill Corinne laughed nervously. "Y
she Il am to help you to lead the mar
rec on Monday" she said
led, Wouldn't it be a good idea if
lied we're to plan TO get ourselves on b
ter terms before trying to lead
3 OF march OF merry dancers, Corinnt
ally he asked. stepprrg closer to her.
'ess "It-might look better"
the at might look better-and feel /
who ter and be better" announced v
re- den. taking her hands firmly. 81
age tried to End you in New York I
the dore everything to locate Won q
now that 7 have you I she'll not
you so I'll come over here toni
and invite our hosts and hostess
Their respectfully. to be contented witt
King long game of bridge I'll tell th
pro- have much to tell you that
at have 10 rehearse our steps-tha
that you are my fiancee and that
bed haven't seen each other for v,
said So be prepared to substantiate
His statements and"
But Corinne, girl-like, was cry
yers again, but this time for Joy. and W
he held her in his arms and told
rrou what she wanted to hear neithe,