The vidette. (Iuka, Tishomingo County, Miss.) 1912-1967, 1922-08-10
THE INTERVIEW
~ AGNES GRAHAM sRooAN

= - '--'~>rt~ ftttt<ft-t*f. *kRf tAelt ftI}
interested and remarkably helpful h
promoting eli!d welfare. nssitutin.
Leagues uhd working tlrelessiy hersel
ia the lower parts OF great cities Bu
her nnme did not become famous UNI
I'll she had, Understandings writer
personal stories of various small for
eign subjects. There was about Ger
aldine Mays stories the charm of sin
certify. One could almost see thu
pleading eyes of Pauline Traviskl as
one read the tragic story Of the child's
life, and one could laugh over the es
capadcs 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 womans views Oh
certain vital questions, anxious to see
her picture, to know something of hei
personality. In vain Miss May de
clined 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 It was decided tC
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 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 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 niec2
: herself upon one Of her after
noon walks and endeayor to win her
over to intereede for him.. Miss Gerry
May usually spent her afternoons with
book or sewing on bench-tree set
back from the road. SO BIZ 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 moi
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. l sure do work hard for
that. And If 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. "woulG
it be, as you say, a great scoop for
you? Would It really help you out in
your profession?v
Bill seized his advantage.
"Your aunt has always been char
Itably Inclined he suggested. Il am
sure the old lady has kind heart
And while / am rot 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
"Well, go ON with your questions
she invited. an take chance on an,
swering."
His glance was grateful but disap
pointed. He hated to hurt the feel
lngs of this obiiging 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.
Wouldn't YOU" he stamlnered. "gei
her 10 write out the statement for you
Ia statement ready for publication?
The niece's eyes met his, brown eyes
sadly reproachful. then suddenl,
laughing eyes with golden lights il,
their depths. Bits heart fiuttered
and the nuttering was not at all un.
Dleasnnt. The girl laughed and then
BIN laughed too; laugh OF pure en-
joyment In life and his surroundings
happy laugh in the companlonshir
Of this wItching girl, whose fathomless
eyes held and thrilled him strangely.