The Pulaskian., 1921-05-19

clIcIe QI DluSS llIe. OuHSCA0uoA9 O4 uh- consciously, the best people initiated the BiDgs.
 Judge Crooker was. one day, dis cussing with a friend the social condl- tions 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. It is very truei"
 The historian was reminded of this saying by the undertow of the life currents in Bingyille.
 The dances in the Normal school and in the homes of the well-to-do were limitations of the great party at J. Patterson Bing's. The costumes of 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: "the most daring and amazing bareback performances in the history of the circus ring" Phyllis Bing, the unriyaled metropoli- tan performer, set the pace. It was distinctly too rapid for her followers. If one may say it 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 obliging- ly. so to speak, as if her license had never been questioned. It 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. It lacked the master touch. Their spirits were also improperly pre- pared for such publicity. They blushea and looked apologies and were visibly uncomfortable when they entered the dance hall.
 On this point, Judge Crooker deliv- cred a famous opinion. It was: T feel sorry for those girls, but their mothers ought to be spanked p
 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 filled. 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 Crooker, perfect Phyllistinesi !"
 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 Bing vile.
 Just before the holidays, the exten- 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 a fling in New York, came home for the holi- days. John arrived the next day from I the family through the winter recess. Mrs. Bing gave tea 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 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. It happened that they talked mainly about their fathers. Some had com plained of paternal strictness.
 'Men are terriblel They make So much trouble" said Frances Smith. "It seems as if they hated to see anybody have good time"
 Mother and I do as we please and say nothing" said Phyllis. "AVe never tell father anything-men don't un- derstand."
 Some of the girls smiled and looked into one another's eyes.
 There had been curious undercur- rent in the party. It did not break the surface of the stream until Mrs. Bing asked Mrs. Pendleton AEaes, "Where Is Pauline Baker,"
 A silence fell upon the group around her.
 Mrs. Ames leaned toward Mrs. Bing and whispered Haven't you heard the news?"
 "No. I had to scold Susan Crowder and Martha Featherstraw as soon as I got here for neglecting their work and they've hadly spoken to me since. What is it?"
 Pauline Baker has run away with strange young man." Mrs. Ames whispered.
 Mrs. Bing threw up botl. hands