Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1922-07-14
THE INTERVIEW
BY AGNES GRAHAM sRocAN

| "'uihe Humphreys May had been
Interested and remarkably helpful in
promoting child welfare. institu,inp
leagues and working tirelessly herself
III the lower parts of great cities. But
nef hume did not become famous un-
VI III sne had, understandlngly, written
personal stories Of various small for
elgn subjects. There was about Ger
!aIdine Mays stories the charm of SIN
cerlty. One could almost see the
pieaoing eyes Of Pauline Traviski az
one read the tragic story OF the chiId's
hle' ana one could laugh over the es-
coPaoes Of Tiny Tony Magneno.
geraldine Humphreys May was en-.
titied to her faIne But newspaper
men found her n difficult person in the
matter of Interviews Club women al;
over the country were clamoriny 70
near 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-
ciihed to be published in magazines.
determnedly she refused all ambitious
newspaper reporters.
AND because of this the Daily Her
ala was more than anxious to make
'hat conquest, so it was decided to
send Bill Hampton out for the Ger
aidine May story.
He just went after his interview and
got 1t. Everybody liked Bill. THE
High Brow" as the office force lest
lhgiS referred to the difficult lady, was
known to he stopping at 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 q
high garden wall and watched for in
vaders
Upon the approach Of q stranger.
the niece referred to as Gerry" would
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 endeavof to win her
over to intercede for him. Miss Gerry
May usually spent her afternoons with
book or sewing on a 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. ITS
no use," she said, Miss May could not
| be persuaded to see you. She will not
talk for publication. She is busy most
a ttFYrn 49,
stories. 1 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
a big scoop for me- And I'm after
fame too, by way Of advancement In
my business. sure do work hard for
that. And If 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
1t be, as you say, a great scoop for
your Would it really help you out In
your prOfesSlOnT'
Bill seized his advantage.
Your aunt has always been char
itably inclined" he suggested. II am
sure the old lady has a 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, 1T certainly
would be big thing for me-" he said.
We'll, go on with your questions"
she invited, "I'll take a chance on an
swering."
His glance was grateful but disap-
! pointed. He hated to hurt the feel
tngs Of this obliging little creature,
but Gerry's Interpretation Of her cul-
tured aunts 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 publicati ?"
! The niece's eyes met his. brown eyes,
sadly reprOachful. then suddenly
laughing eyes with golden lights in
their depths. Bits heart futtered
and the fluttering was not at all I'M
pleasant. The girl laughed and then
Rill laughed too; a laugh of pure en-
pyment In life and his surroundings,
happy laugh in the companionship
OF this witching girl, whose fnthomless
eyes held and thrilled him strangely.
No the girl answered his Ques-
ton, II could not get MISS May to
write out statement for publication,
Tor you see, It's much easier to talk.
], myself, happen TO be that hunted
down writer. And as you kindly sug-
gest being also a chsritably inclined
and kind-hearted old ledy, Will belp