Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1922-04-20
THE INTERVIEW
BY AGNES GRAHAM RRoeAN

interested and remarkably helpful in
promoting child welfare, nstituting
leagues and working tireessy herself
In the lower parts of great cities. But
her name did not become famous un.
I'll she had, Understandings, WRIT en-
personal stories of various small for.
elgn subjects. There was about Ger
nldine Mays stories the charm of sin
cerlty. One could almost see tie
pleading eyes Of Pauline Traviski as
one read the tragic story of the child's
life, and one could laugh over the es.
capades of Tiny Tony Maneno.
Geraldine Humphreys May was en-
titled to her fame. But newspaper
men found her II difficult person in the
matter of interviews. Club women all
over the country were clamoring to
hear this clever Monan's views on
certain vital questions, anxious to see
her picture, to know something of her
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 1t was decided to
send Bill Hampton out for the Ger
aldne May story.
He just went after his interview and
got 1t. Everybody liked Bill. "The
High Brow" as the office force Jest
ingly referred to the difficult lady, was
Hnoxyp no ha ctr %
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 MS Gerry" would
slip down from the wGll TO give her
aunt warning to retire.
Bill intended to wayay the niece
herself upon one OF her after
noon walks and endeavor to win her
over to intercede for him. Miss Gerry
May usually spent her afternoons with
book or sewing on n 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 mead at him. IT'S
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 don't blame her for not
wanting to be bothered
"But YOU see" explained Billy dole
fully"-he had seated himself at Miss
Gerrys side-"ths thing would mean
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 yGm 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, would
II be, as you say, great scoop for
you? Would it really help you out In
Vour professlonT
Bill seized his advantage
"Your aunt has always been char
itably inclined" he suggested. Il am
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 light
ened In anticipation, ut certainly
would be big thing for me, he said.
well, go on with your questions
she invited, "I'l take a chance on an
swering."
His glance was grateful but disap-
pointed. He hated to hurt the feel
ings Of this obliging 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, get
her to write out the statement for you
IA statement ready for publication
The niece's eyes met his, brown eyes
sadly reproachful, then suddenly
laughing eyes with golden lights in
their depths Bills heart futtered
and the fiuttering was not at all I'M
pleasant. The girl laughed and then
Bill laughed too laugh of pure en-
soyment in life and his surroundings
b happy laugh in the companionship
of this wltching girl, whose fathomless
eyes held and thrilled him strangely
mo" the girl answered his ques-
zion. II could not get Miss May TO
write out statement for publication,
for 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 charltably inclined
and kind-hearted old lady, / will help
you with your scoop
Bill Hampton stared.
But" he began, then halted incred-
ulously.
Aunt Geraldine Humphreys May
for whom / am named" Gerry patient
~ explained, "chnperones me about
A-NN. NHI