The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1922-04-21
SOCIAL CLIMBERS
BY ETHEL /. sTETsoN

.SSGScccTSSSSSITESS SSISIr@IrSSTTcSH
g, 1922 by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
Malcolm Crane was the youngest and
most brilliant dramatist Of his day.
After completing his play, Social
Climbers" lie buried himself in the
little town Of Ashton for complete rest.
Even there a note reached him from a
Mrs. Drayton-Smlth, WHO occupied
large villa in a nearby town. Would
Mr.. Crane honor her household by
spending a weekend In its midst? Nal
colin Crane disliked being feted; but
since this Mrs. Drayton-Smlth had dis
covered his proximity something must
be done. She wrote;
Il shall meet you, personally, If pos
sible, at Verndale Station. In case cir
cumstances prevent, my daughter Eu-
genia, will be there in my place"
At this time the leading grocer Of
Verndale was planning to entertain
distant male relative from the west.
Being busy and wise grocer he ar
ranged to have his daughter, bewitch-
Ing Genie, meet his guest. And so II
happened that when the train which
was to bring Mrs Drayton-Smlth's
weekend guest pulled into Verndale
Station a sweet country girl shyly came
forward TO greet pretentious, but per
picked young man.
I'VE are so glad you wanted to come,
Cousin Mack"
Perhaps her simple, warm greeting
surprised him, as did the old barouche
to which she led him. At any rate,
both pleased him.
AS the barouche rolled through coun-
try by-ways, what came putting and
stopped alongside but a huge touring
car ID. s." was beautifully inscribed
on the door and Miss Eugenia Dray-
ton-Smith sat beautifully within.
With briefest nod to little Genie, she
exclaimed:
Mr.. Crane, owe you ten thousand
apologies. There was trouble with the
car and I was horribly delayed OF
course you know am Miss Drayton-
Smith. Do let US drive you to Fair
view as quickly as possible"
The young man seemed In nowise
eager to haste from the barouche.
We'll, this is a situation" he
laughed
Il must ask you to make your
adieus to the young lady, because
mother is anxiously awaiting your ar
rival. In fact, some Of the guests
have begun to arrive for the garden
party we are giving; and mother has
arranged for one or two scenes from
your wonderful new play, to be pre-
scented in the out-of-dor theater at
1870. SO, you see, there is not much
time to spare"
The young man twnked. II sup
pose Miss Genie, here, is one of the
guests|
mo, Mr.. Crane, it happens that she
is not"
Then, as a special favor, allow me
to extend to her my personal invi-
taton. Let's drive over In the ba-
rouche, Miss Genie. We will meet you
at FaIryiew' presently. Miss Smith,"
Miss Eugenia Drayton-Smith or
dered her chauffeur to drive on.
"You are an author, too, Cousin
Mack? and write under a nom-de-
plume7 l never knew" Genie was
delighted
The holse' which drew Genle's
barouChe was old and fat. The young
man and maid arrived at TairvIew"
when the guests were al eady as
sembed In the theater Al attention
was drawn from the stage and direct
ed upon the author and the lovely girl,
whom Mrs Draytcn-Smith conducted
to conspicuous seats.
When the curtain had been drawn
on the last scene Mrs. Dayton-Smith
made a studied and elaborate speech,
Introducing Mr., Macolm Crane, the
young author of nationwide fame
The laure-crowned one rose amidst
heavy applause.
Isn't It wonderful Such poisew
"Notice his forehead and eyes!"
Eyes, unmarried. Perhaps-you
know-Eugenia. But who Is that per-
fectly exquisite girl with himT
Ssh, what is he saying2'
Mrs. Drayton Smith, ladies and gen.
tlemen, a mistake las been made.
am not Mr.. Malcolm Crane. Ny name