The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1922-06-17
THE INTERVIEW
BY AGNES GRAHAM BRoeAN

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Geraldine Humphreys May had been
interested and remarkably helpful in
promoting child welfare, instituting
leagues and working tirelessly herself
In the lower parts of great cities. But
her name did not become famous I'M
til she had, Understandings, written
personal stories Of various small for
eign subjects. There was about Ger
aldlne Mays stories the charm Of sin
certify. One could almost see the
pleading eyes of Pauline Travlski as
one read the tragic story Of the child's
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 Mere clamorlng 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-
cllned to be published In magazines,
determinedly 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 BIZ Hampton out for the Ger
aldlne May story.
He just went after his interview and
got 1t. Everybody likei Bill. "The
High Brow" as the office force jest
ingly referred to the difficult lady, was
known to be 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
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 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 lntercede 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
Of the time now with her new book of
stories. l 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 slde-"this thing would mean
q big scoop for me. And I'm after
fame too, by way Of advancement in
my business. sure do work 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 that?"
Gerry laid down her sewing and
considered the eager yet humble young
man before her.
| h.. Il Il
II be, as you say, great scoop fol
you? Would It really help you out in
your professlon?"
Bill, seized his advantage.
"Your aunt has always been char
ltably inclined" he suggested. 81 an
sure the I'd lady has q kind heart
And while ! am not exactly on the
Lowest sep Of the newspaper lad
der TN paused, then his eyes light
e.cd in anticipation, ut certalnl!
would be big thing for me-" he said
"Well, go on with your questions,
she invited, 'Tll take chance on an
swering."
His glance was grateful but dlsap
pointed. He hated to hurt the feel
ings OF this obliglng 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, "ge
her TO write out the statement for yol
"a statement ready for publications.
The niece's eyes met his, brown eyes
sadly reproachful, then suddenl
laughing eyes with golden lights II
their depths. Bits heart fiuttere,
and the fluttering was not at all Ut
pleasant. The girl laughed and the
BIZ laughed too; laugh Of pure on
joyment in life and his surrounding.
a happy laugh In the companlonshi
Of this wItchlng girl, whose fathomles
eyes held and thrilled him strangely.
NO" the girl answered his que,
ton, II could not get Miss May {
write out statement for publication
for you see, It's much easier to tall
/. myself, happen TO be that hunted
down writer. And as you kindly sul
gest, being also charltably incline
and klnd-hearted old lady, will hel
you with your SCOOP"
| Bill Hampton stared.
| But" he began, then halted incre,
ulously.
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