The L'Anse sentinel., 1922-04-21
THE INTERVIEW
BY AGNES GRAHAM BRoaAN

promoting child welfare, instltuting
leagues and working tirelessly herself
in the lower parts of great cities. But
her name did not become famous un-
til she had, understandlngly, written
personal stories of various small for
eign subjects. There was about Ger
aldine Mays stories the charm of sin
cerity. One could almost see the
pleading eyes of Pauline Travish as
one read the tragic story Of the childs
life, and one could laugh over the es-
capades Of Tiny Tony Magneno.
Geraldine Humphreys May was en-
titled to her fame. But newspaper
men found her difficult person in the
matter Of interviews. Club women all
over the country were clamoring to
hear this clever woman's views on
certain vital questions, anxious to see
her picture, to know something Of her
personality. In vain Miss May de-
clined to be published in magazines,
determlnedly she refused all ambitious
newspaper reporters.
And because of this the Daily Her
aid was more than anxious to make
that conquest, so 1t was decided to
send Bill Hampton out for the Ger
aldine May story.
He just went after his interview and
got it. Everybody liked Bill. "The
High Brow" as the Office force jest
ingly referred to the difficult lady, was
known to be stopping at a secluded
Inn on the Hudson. When Bill
reached the adjoining village he
learned that Miss May and her niece
occupied an apartment at the rear OF
the beautiful summer lodge, and that
Miss Geraldine May might be seen
every morning walking in the rear gar
dens, while her niece camped on
high garden wall and watched for in
vaders
Upon the approach Of stranger.
slip down from the wall to give her
aunt warning to retire.
Bill intended to waylay the niece
herself upon one of her after
noon walks and endeavor to win her
over to intercede for him. Miss Gerry
May usually spent her afternoons with
book or sewing on bench-tree set
back from the road. So Bill Hampton
found her. AS he was always frank In
his methods, he presented to her his
card with explanation.
But she shook her head at him. "It's
no use," she said. "Miss May could not
be persuaded to see you. She will not
talk for publication. She is busy most
of the time now with her new book Of
stories. don't blame her for not
wanting to be bothered"
"But you see" explained Billy dole
fully"--he had seated himself at Miss
Gerry's side-"this thing would mean
big scoop for me. And I'm after
fame too, by way of advancement In
my business. sure do work hard for
that. And IL your aunt refuses to see
me, couldn't you act as sort Of in
terpreter-get her to tell you her
views and all that?'
Gerry laid down her sewing and
considered the eager yet humble young
man before her.
"Why," she asked slowly, would
It be, as you say, a great scoop for
you? Would 1t really help you out in
your profession"
Bill seized his advantage.
"Your aunt has always been char
itably Inclined" he suggested. 81 am
sure the old lady has kind heart.
And while l am not exactly on the
lowest step Of the newspaper lad
der" Bill paused, then his eyes light
ened In anticipation, 'lt certainly
would be big thing for me-" he said.
"Well, go on with your questions"
she invited, "Tll take a chance on an
swering."
His glance was grateful but disap-
pointed. He hated to hurt the feel
ings of this obllging little creature,
but Gerry's Interpretation Of her cul-
tured aunt's views would, he realized,
scarcely measure up to the reputation
of that unusual woman.
couldn't you," he stammered, "get
her to write out the statement for you
IA statement ready for publications."
The niece's eyes met his. brown eyes.
sadly reproachful, then suddenly
laughing eyes with golden lights in
their depths. Bilrs heart fluttered
and the fiuttering was not ct all un-
pleasant. The girl laughed and then
Bill laughed too; laugh of pure en-
joyment In life and his surroundings
happy laugh In the companionship
of this witching girl, whose fathomless
eyes held and thrilled him strangely.
"No." the girl answered his ques-
tion, II could not get Miss May to
write out a statement for publication,
for you see, It's much easier to talk.
i, myself, happen to be that hunted
down writer. And as you kindly sug-
gest, being also charitably inclined
and hnd-hearted old lady. will help
you with your SCOOP"
Bill Hampton stared. a
'But," he began. then halted incred-
ulously.
"Aunt Geraldine Humphreys May
for whom / am named" Gerry patient
ly explained, "chaperones me about
wherever I 60; and I can talk intel
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