New-York tribune., 1915-03-07
THE DOWNFALL OF GEORGE BAsSETT

"There are marks of quality, of caste, OF social
distinction" Mr. Kinoslng began, (which must
be permitted, allowed, though perhaps regulated.
Social distinction, one observes almost invariably
implies spiritual distinction as we'll Distinction
of circumstance is accompanied by mental dis
tincton. Distinction is hereditary; it descends
from father to son, and if there is one thing
more true than Like father, like son. it is"-he
bowed gallantly to Mrs Bassett-"t is, Like
mother, like son. What these good ladies have
said this afternoon of your
This was the fatal instant. There smote upon
all ears the voice Of George painfully shrill and
penetrating-fraught with protest and protracted
strain. His plain words consisted of the newly
sanctioned and disinfected with big H.
With an ejaculation of horror Mrs Bassett
sprang to the window and threw open the blinds
Georgie's back was disclosed to the view of the
tea party He endeavoring to ascend
maple tree about twelve feet from the windoT
Embracing the trunk with arms and legs, he mad
managed to squirm to a point just above the
heads Of Penrod and Herman who stood close by
watching him earnestly-Penrod being obviously
in charge of the performance Across the yard
were Sam Williams and Maurice Levy, acting as
a Jury on the question Of voice power, ana IL
was to a complaint Of theirs that George had
just replied.
"Tbat's right. George" said Penrod encourag-
ingly. "They can, too, hear you. Let her go!
"Going to heaven!" shrieked George, squirm-
ing up another inch. "Going to heaven, heaven,
heaven!"
His mothers frenzed attempts to attract his
attention failed utterly. George was using the
full power Of his lungs deafening his own ears
to all other sounds. Mrs. Bassett called in vain'
fled a
about the window.
"Going to heaven!" George beloved. "Golng
70 beaveni Going to heaven, my Lord! Going to
heaven, heaven, heaven!"
He tried to climb higher, but began to slip
downward, his exertions causing damage to his
abparel A button flew into the air, and his
knickerbockers and his waistband severed rela-
tions.
"Devil,s got nv coattails, sinners! Old DEVILS
got nv coattails!" he announced appropriately
Then he began to slide He relaxed his clasp OF
the tree and slid to the ground.
"Goine to hell" shreked Georgie reaching
high pitch of enthusiasm in this great climax.
"Goinp TO hell! Going to hell! I'm gone to hell,
hell, hell" .,
With loud scream, Mrs Bassett threw herself
out of the window, alighting by some miracle
upon her feet with ankles unsprained
Mr.. Kinosling, feeling that his presence as
spiritual adviser was demanded in the yard, foi-
lowed with greater dignity through the front
door. At the corner Of the house small depart
ing figure colided with him violently. 1t was
Penrod. tactfully Withdrawing from what prom
ised to be family scene Of unusual panfuiness.
Mr. Knosling seized him by the shoulders ana
giving way to emotion, shook him vciously
"You horrible boy!" exclaimed Mr.. hlnosllng'
'You ruffiany creature! Do you know what
going to happen to you when you grow up Do
YOU realize what you're going to be7'
with flashing eyes, the indignant boy made
lrown his unshaken purpose. He shouted the
reply:
"A ministeri"