Cleopatra, Joan, Pompadour

The band swung into the "Marseillaise" and the master of ceremonies bellowed: "Now we come to that great patriot of France!" Across the stage marched a slightly nervous miss wearing a plumed helmet and a cuirass above a skimpy bath-suit, carrying a sword and shield. The band played "Onward, Christian Soldiers." The young lady, a 17-year-old Manhattanite named Mary Louise Peck, was supposed to represent St. Joan of Arc, patroness of France, who was canonized in 1920 as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mary Louise Peck's impersonation of the Maid of Orleans was part of a pageant given last fortnight at semiswank Atlantic Beach Club on Long Island. Most of them scantily clad to represent such characters as Messalina, Mae West and Pocahontas, the performers included Swimmer Helen Meany, a semi-nude showgirl and that most formidable and ubiquitous of socialites. Mrs. S. Stanwood Menken. To dine and see the pageant 251 persons had bought tickets at $7.50 each and, to give the spectacle an air of righteous charity, the profits, if any, were to go to a local fire department, a police fund, an undenominational hospital, and a Catholic hospital--St. Joseph's in Far Rockaway, L. I.

Three of the beneficiaries quietly awaited their share of the money last week. But when Sister Mary Bertrand. Superioress of St. Joseph's Hospital, saw a newspicture of Mary Louise Peck as St. Joan, her vexation was great. She informed the Atlantic Beach Club that St. Joseph's Hospital would accept not one penny of the money thus raised. One Oakley Bidwell, the club's executive secretary, offered public apologies, insisted that what had offended Sister Mary Bertrand was nothing more than "a brief and dignified appearance on the stage of a young lady clad in the armor of the period." Sister Mary Bertrand declared that the Catholic Church is opposed to bathing beauty contests; that the appearance of St. Joan along with Cleopatra and Mme de Pompadour was deeply resented.

Said Mr. Bidwell: "There was nothing risque. . . . There was not a laugh in it, and St. Joan was as solemn as an owl."

Said Mary Louise Peck's mother: "We are indignant. . . . We are annoyed. . . ."

Having counted up receipts, and paid for the food, music, and decorations. Mr. Bidwell sent Sister Mary Bertrand a check, to reject or accept as she wished. St. Joseph's Hospital's share of the proceeds: $5.22.

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