The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1922-03-31
SOCIAL CLIMBERS
BY ETHEL l. sTETsoN


most brilliant dramatist of his day.
After completing his play, Social
Climbers" he buried himself in the
little town Of Ashton for complete rest.
Even there note reached him from
Mrs. Drayton-Smith, who occupied a
large villa in a nearby town. Would
Mr.. Crane honor her household by
spending weekend In its midst? Nal
colin Crane disliked being feted; but
since this Mrs. Drayton-Smith had dis
covered his proximity something must
be DONE She wrote:
81 shall meet you, personally, If pos
sible, at Verndale Station. In case cir
cumstances prevent, my daughter Eu-
genia, will be there in my place."
At this time the leading grocer of
Verndale was planning to entertain a
distant male relative from the west.
Being busy and wise grocer he ar
ranged to have his daughter, bewitch-
ing Genie, meet his guest And so it
happened that when the train which
was to bring Mrs. Drayton- Smiths
weekend guest pulled into Verndale
Station a sweet country girl shyly came
forward to greet pretentious, but per-
picked young man.
"We are so glad you wanted to come.
Cousin Mack"
Perhaps her simple, warm greeting
surprised him, as did the old barouche
to which she led him. At any rate,
both pleased him.
As the barouche rolled through coun-
try by-ways, what came putting and
stopped alongside but huge touring
car! I'D. ST. was beautifully Inscribed
on the door; and Miss Eugenia Dray
ton-Smith sat beautifully within.
With briefest nod to little Genie, she
exclaimed:
''Mr. Crane, owe you ten thousand
apologies. There was trouble with the
car and 1 was horribly delayed. OF
course you know 1 am Miss Drayton-
Smith. Do let us drive you to Fair
view as quickly as possible"
The young man seemed in nowise
eager to haste from the barouche.
well, this is a situation" he
laughed.
Il must ask you to make your
adieus TO the young lady, because
mother is anxiously awaiting your ar
rival. In fact, some of the guests
have begun to arrive for the garden
party we are giving; and mother has
arranged for one or two scenes from
your wonderful new play, to be pre-
scented in the out-of-door theater at
4:30. So, you see, there is not much
time to spare"
The young man twinkled. 81 sup
pose Miss Genie, here, is one of the
guestsP'
'No, Mr.. Crane, it happens that she
| is not
Then, as a special favor, allow me
to extend to her my personal invi-
tation. Let's drive over in the ba-
rouche, Miss Genie We will meet you
at Fairview' presently, Miss Smith"
| Miss Eugenia Drayton-Smith or
dered her chauffeur to drive on.
| you are an author, too, Cousin
Mack? and write under monde
plume? 1 never knew" Genie was
! delighted
The horse which drew Genie's
barouche was old and fat. The young
man and maid arrived at "Fairview"
/ when the guests were already as
| sembled in the theater. All attention
was drawn from the stage and direct
ed upon the author and the lovely girl,
whom Mrs. Drayton-S Smith conducted
| to conspicuous seats.
/ When the curtain had been drawn
| on the last scene Mrs. Dayton Smith
| made studied and elaborate speech,
introducing Mr.. Macolm Crane, the
young author Of nationwide fame.
The laurel-crowned one rose amidst
1 heavy applause.
isn't it wonderful? Such poise !"
Notice his forehead and eyesT"
Eyes, unmarried. Perhaps-you
know-Eugenia. But who is that per-
fectly exquisite girl with him?"
/ SSH. what Is he sayingT
Mrs. Drayton Smith, ladies and gen.
/ tlemen, a mistake has been made. /
am not Mr.. Malcolm Crane. My name
! is Macmillan Jones, and much as 1t
pleases me to accept your praises as
the author Of that renowned piece of
| literature, Social Climbers can lay
! claim to a lesser glory only. Indeed,
I am not even an invited guest at this
/ party. I came through the extreme
kindness Of my cousin, Miss Genie
Rangrin, whose father. my uncle, is, I
believe, the leading grocer OF this
town. But, allow me TO say, in case
you have not already established in
| your household that much accredited
scientific aid, am here to introduce
the Macmillan Jones Washing Ma
chine. Of which, as you might say, I
am-the author"
As Mr. Macmillan Jones drove home
beside Miss Genie Rangrin they met
boy with yellow envelope In his cap,
which he held In his hands, leisurely
making his way up the "Fairview"
| drive
Said Macmillan Jones:
I'll bet that's that man Cranes tel
egram OF explanations and ere
grets.'