DANCER’S ROMANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18927, 22 April 1933, Page 12 (Supplement)

DANCER’S ROMANCE

Without even telling 'her mother that-she was coming a pretty girl presented herself the other day at her cld home in Clydebank to renew acquaintance with her family and friends.

At one time she was employed in a factory In the town. 'Now she is the Countess Dumas.

As Betty McFarlane, the daughter Of a man in a small way of business in Clydebank, she was for some time the most -popular dance hostess in Glasgow. Her exquisite beauty and accomplished dancing made her a host of friends.

She received many proposals of marriage, but at that time her ambitions would not allow her tot fetter herself with the responsibilities -of matrimony. Then came a time when she felt that she had ooniquered Glasgow, and that the oity oould net longer satisfy her demand*. ' “I must," *h« told her friends, “find & new field of aotlvlty. The world Is ■mine If I care to make the conquest.” And as simple but beautiful Bstty McFarlane from Scotland, she oreated •something of a sensation In London when she appeared as a dancer at an exoluslve West-end restaurant. R*glst*r>Offlo* Wedding* Within a few months she had -captured the affeotions of the wealthy young Comte Dumas, great-grandson

Factory Girl Who Became a Countess Pays Surprise Visit to Her Old Home.

of Dumas, the famous French novelist and two years ago they were quietly married at a London register office. But for the rest of the Clydebank factory girl’s romantic life story it is necessary -to go hack six years. On leaving Glasgow she joined a theatrical touring company, where her experience as a dancer stood her in good stead.

Her accomplished performances, allied with her charming personality and dazzling beauty, established her as a prime favourite wherever-she went. Hard professional work, however, resulted In a nervous breakdown, which took her to Vehioe to recuperate. There -she. met a well-known marquis, who, as a result of -the misfortune of war, was compelled to earn his living as a dancer.

The marquis saw that Betty was an Ideal partner, and settled matters. The partnership between the pair was -one of the most successful on the Continent, and they won the world's championship for the tango, quick-

■step, and Viennese waltz two years in succession at Lugano and Nice. Later, Betty once again moved, on this occasion to become >a hostess at •the “Millionaires’ Playground” on the Lido. While there she taught princes and the mo-st popular celebrities in Europe to dance. Among other celebrities she met was Charlie Chaplin, and he is said to have offered her an attractive contract if she would g-o to Hollywood. This she -declined. Call of the Danoe-Floor.

At -the end of the season, Betty, with over £3OOO In her pocket, earned in the brl6f -space of a few months, spent a few weeks In Paris before returning to London. When she arrived in London the appeal of the dance-floor proved lrreslstable. Her marquis partner joined her, and together they gave exhibition performances at various dubs and restaurants.

Her final engagement, however, was with the Comte at a London register office.