Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1921-04-28

given freely for the improvement of
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 Bings.
Judge Croker was, one day, dis
cussing with 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. 1t is very
true !" .'..
The historian was reminded of this
saying by the undertow of the life
currents in Bingville.
The dances in the Normal school
and in the homes of the well-to-dO
were limitations of the great party at
]. 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 unrivaled metrOpOli-
| tan performer, set the pace. 1t 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
| Ofh or
self. She did it so easily and grace
fully and unconsciously and obligng
ly, so to speak, as if her license had
never been questioned. 1t 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. 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: 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 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 Croker, perfect
Phyllistinesw
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 extern
sion of the ample home of the million
alre 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 holt
days. John arrived the next day from
the great PadelfOrd school to be with
the family through the winter recess.
Mrs. Bling gave a 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 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 that they talked mainly
about their fathers. Some had com
planned of paternal strictness.
"Men are terrible! They make so
much trouble" said Frances Smith. at
seems as if they hated to see anybody
have good time"
Mother and l do as we please and
say nothing" said Phyllis. 1--WE never
tell father anything-men don't un-
derstand."
Some of the girls smiled and looked
into one anOther's eyes.
There had been q curious undercur.
rent in the party. 1t did not break the
surface of the stream until Mrs. Bling
asked Mrs. PenAeton Ames, where
is Pauline Baker,"
A silence fell upon the group around
her.
Mrs Ames leaned toward Mrs. Bling
and whispered, Haven't you heard
the news?'
mo. / had to scold Susan Crowder
and Martha Featherstraw as soon as I
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