Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1921-04-22

LhO OOSb RSNPAS |
the BiDgs.
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 I"
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
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 rims"
Phyllis Bling, the unrivaled metropoli-
tan performer set the pace. 1t was
distinctly too rapid for her followers.
IL OnS may say II hlnulyS was 40
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 1t so easily and grace
fully and unconsciously and obliging-
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
timld. It 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 halt.
Or 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 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
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 Bling.
| Vile.
Just before the holidays, the extern
sion of the ample home of the million
aire was decorated, furnished and
ready to be shown. Mrs. Bling 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 tes 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.
It happened that they talked mainly
about their fathers. Some had COM
planned of paternaf strictness.
Men are terriblei They make so
much trouble" said Frances Smith. ut
seems as IL 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 a curious undercur-
rent In the party. 1t did not break the
surface of the stream until Mrs. Ring
asked Mrs. Pendleton Ames. "Wbera
is Pauline BakerT'
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 Crow,ler
and Martha Featherstraw as soon MS
got here for neglecting their work and
they've badly spoken to me since.
What Is TT"
Pauline Baker has run away with
strange young man." Mrs. Ames
whispered.
/ Mrs. Bing threw up both HANDS
fopened her mouth and looked toward
the ceiling.
You don't mean 1t" she gasped.