The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1921-04-01

the village and the neighboring city OF
Hazelmead. His family was the court
circle of Bingville. Consciously or I'M
consciously the best people initiated
the BiDgs
Judge Croker was. one day. dis
GUESSING with a friend the social condi-
lions OF Bingville. In regard to picnic
Sundays he made this remark:
George Meredith once wrote TO his
son that he would need the help Of
religion to get safely beyond the
stormy passions of youth. II is very
truel"
The historian was reminded of this
saying by the undertow of the life
currents in Bingville.
The dances i'm the Normal school
and in the homes o. the well-to-do
were limitations of the great party at
j. Patterson Bings. The costumes or
certain Of the young ladies were, to
quote a clause from the posters of the
Messrs. Barnum and Bailey. still cling
ing to the billboard: 1.-THE most daring
and amazing bareback performances
in the history of the circus ring"
Phyllis Bling, the unrlvaled metropoli-
tan performer, set the pace. II was
distinctly too rapid for her followers.
If one may say 1t kindly, she was as
cold and heartless and beautiful In her
act as a piece of bronze or Italian
marble She was not ashamed Of her
self. She did it so easily and grace
fully and unconsciously and obllging-
ly, so 10 speak, as If her license had
never been questioned. II was not so
with Vivian Mead and Frances Smith
and Pauline Baker They limped and
struggled in their efforts TO keep up.
To begin with, the art of their
modiste had been fussy. initiative and
timid. II lacked the master touch.
Their spirits were also improperly pre-
pared for such publicity. They blushed
and looked apologies and were visibly
uncomfort >ble when they entered the
dance han.
O, this point. Judge Croker deliv-
cred a famous opinion. 1t was: 81 feel
sorry for those girls, but their mothers
ought TO be spanked !"
There is evidence that this sentence
of his was carried out in due time and
in a most effectual manner. But the
works of art which these mothers had
put on exhibition at the Normal school
sprang into overwhelming popularity
with The young men and their cards
were quickly filed. In half an hour,
they had ceased to blush. Their eyes
no longer spoke apologies They were
new women. Their initiation was
complete. They had become, in the
language of Judge Croker. perfect
Phyllistines !"
The dancing tried to be as naughty
as that remarkable Phyllistinian pas
time at the mansion of the Bings and
succeeded well, if not handsomely.
The modern dances and dress were
now definitely established in Bng-
Vile.
Just before fine holidays, the extern
sion of the ample home of the million
aire was decorated. furnished and
ready to be shown. Mrs. Bing and
Phyllis, who had been having fling
in New York, came home for the holt
days. John arrived the next day from
the great Padelford school to be with
the family through the winter recess.
Mrs. Bing gave a te- to the ladies OF
Bingville She wanted them to see
the improvements and become aware
of her good will. She had thought of
an evening party, but there were many
men in the village whom she didn't
care to have In her house. So it be-
came a tea.
The women talked of leaking roofs
and water pipes and useless bathrooms
and outrageous costs. Phyllis sat In
the palm room with the village girls.
1t happened tat they talked mainly
about their fathers. Some had COM
planned of paternaf strictness.
Men are terriblel They make so
much trouble" said Frances Smith. at
seems as if they hated to see anybody
have good time"
Mother and / do as we please and
say nothing" said Phyllis "We never
tell father anything-men don't I'M
derstand."
Some Of the girls smiled and looked
into one anOIher's eyes.
There had been curious undercur-
rent IN the party. 1t did not break the
surface of the stream until Mrs. Bing
asked Mrs. pendIeton Ames, where
5 Pauline Baker?"
silence fell upon the group around
her.
Mrs. Ames leaned toward Mrs. Bing
and whispered. Haven't you heard |
the news?"
No. had to scold Susan Crowder
and Martha Featherstraw as soon as |
got here for neglecting their work and |
they've badly spoken to me since.
What Is it,"
Pauline Baker has run away with
4 strange young man." Mrs. Ames
Mrs. Bing threw up both hanos.
opened her mouth and looked toward
he ceiling.
You don't mean itr' she gasped.