Mountain advocate., 1922-07-21
THE INTERVIEW



interested and remarkably helpful 10
promoting child welfare, institutine
leagues and working tirelessiy herself
In the lower parts Of great cities But
her name did not become famous un-
I'll she had, uDderstandingiy, written
personal stories Of various small for
eign subjects There was about Ger
aldine Nays stories the charm Of SIN
cerity. One could almost see the
pleading eyes Of Pauline Traviski o.
one read the tragic story Of the childS
life, and one could laugh over the e.
capades Of Tiny Tony Magneno.
Geraldine Humphreys May was en-
titled to her fame. But Newspaper
men found her a diffcuft person IN the
matter OF Interviews Club women all
over the country were clamoring 20
hear this clever womans views on
certain vital questions, anxious to zee
her picture, 10 know something Of her
personality. In vain Miss May de-
clined 20 be published In magazines,
deterninedly she refused oil ambitious
newspaper reporters.
And because Of this the Daily Her
aid was more than anxious TO make
that conquest. SO II 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
mgly referred to the dificult 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 a
high garden wall and watched for in
vaders
Upon the approach Of a stranger,
the niece referred TO as "Gerry," would
slip down from The wa1 to give her
aunt warning TO retire.
Bill intended 70 waylay the niece
herself upon one Of her after
noon walks and endeavor 70 win her
over 70 ntercede for him. Miss Gerry
May usually spent her afternoons with
book or sewing on q bench-tree set
back from the road. So Bill Hampton
found her. AZ he was always frank IN
his methods, he presented to her hfs
card with explanation.
But she shook her head at him. IFS
no use" she satd, "Miss May could not
be persuaded to see you. She win not
talk for publication. She 10 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 Bfffy dole
fully"-he had seated himself at Miss
Gerry's hde-'this thing would mean
a big scoop for me. And I'm after
fame too, by way Of advancement IN
my business. sure DO wort hard for
that. And II your aunt refuses TO see
me, couldn't you act as a sort Of In
terpreter-get her to tell you her
Views and all thatT
Gerry laid down her sewing and
considered the eager yet humble young
man before her.
why she asked slowly, would
II be, as you say, a great SCOOP for
you? Would It really help you out 10
your professsonr
Bin seized his advantage.
your aunt has always been cfHr-
ttabty inclined" he suggested Il an
sure the old lady has a kind heart
And while am not exactly on the
lowest step Of the newspaper lad
der" Bill paused then his eyes HIGHT
ened In anticipation, 1T certainly
would be big thing for me- he said
We'll, go ON with your questions
she invited, tn take a chance On an
swering"
His glance was grRtefui but disap-
pointed He hated to hurt the fee4-
ings Of this 0biiging little creature,
but Gerry's Interpretation Of her cui-
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
"a statement ready for publicanonT
The niece's eyes met his, brown eyes.
sadly reproacfrfui, then suddenly
laughing eyes with golden lights in
their depths Bilf's heart ffuttered
and the fluttertng was not ut all un-
pleasant The girl laughed and then
Bin laughed too; a laugh Of pure en-
joyment in life and his surroundings,
a happy laugh In tne compmionshp
Of this w1tching girl, whose fathomiess
eyes held and thrilled him strangely.
no" the gth answered his Ques-
tion, Il could not get Miss May to
write out a statement for publication,
for you see, tt's much easier to talk
l, myself, happen TO be that hunted
down writer. And as you kindly sug-
gest, being also a charitabiy inclined
and ind-hearted otd LADY, VIII help
you with your SCOOP"
Bill Hampton stared
But" he begun, then fafted tncred-