The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1921-04-14

circle Of Bingville. Consciously or un.
consciously, the best people initiated
the Bipgs.
Judge Croker was, one day, dis
cusslng with friend the social condi-
tons of Bingvllle. 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. 1t Is very
true"
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 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 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 Blng, the unrivaled metropoli-
tan performer, set the pace. 1t was
distinctly too rapid for her followers.
II one may say II 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 II so easily and grace
fully and unconsclously and obliging-
ly, so to speak, as II 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
tlmid. 1t lacked the master touch.
Their spirits were also improperly pre-
pared for such publicity. They blushed
and looked apologies and were visibly
uncomfortable when they entered the
dance hall.
On this point. Judge Croker deliv.
cred famous opinion. 1t was: NJ feel
sorry for those girls, hut their mothers
ought to be spanked"
There Is evidence that this sentence
Of his was carried out in due time and
In a most efrectual manner. But the
works Of art which these mothers had
put on exhibition Mt 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. II not handsomely.
The modern dances and dress were
now definitely established In Bling
vile.
Just before the holidays. the extern
sion Of the ample home OF the million
aire was decorated, furnished AMI
ready TO be shown. Mrs. Bling and
Phyllis, who had been having a fling
in New York, came home for the holl.
days. John arrived the next day from
the great Padelford school to be with
the family through the winter recess.
Mrs. Bing gave tea to the ladies' OF
Blngville. She wanted them to see
the improvements and become aware
Of her good will. She had thought o.
an evening party, but there were many
men In the village whom she didn',
care to have In her house. So 1t be,
came a tea.
The women talked Of leaking roofl
and water pipes and useless bathroom,
and outrageous costs. Phyllis sat H.
the palm room with the village girls
1t happened that they talked mainl.
about their fathers. Some had com
planned Of paternal strictness.
"Men are terrible! They make 50
much trouble" said Frances Smith. 81,
seems as II they hated to see anybod,
have good time"
Mother and ! do as we please ant
say nothing" said Phyllis. 1--WE neve
:ell 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. 1t did not break the
surface of the stream until Mrs. Bine
asked Mrs. Pendleton Ames, where
Is Pauline Baker?"
A silence fell upon the group around
her.
Mrs. Ames leaned toward Mrs. Blng
and whispered, Haven't you heard
the news?'
"No. I 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
strange young man." Mrs. Ames
whispered.
Mrs. Bing threw up both hands,
opened her mouth and looked toward
the ceiling.
"You don't mean itw she gasped.