Judge, 1898-11-26 · page 14 of 20
Judge — November 26, 1898 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two separate satirical pieces mocking human (particularly female) behavior through exaggeration. **"Her Consistency"** depicts a wife who vehemently denounces a man named Jones as "disreputable" and forbids mention of him. When Mr. Smith announces Jones's death, she immediately reverses course—expressing sympathy, lamenting his loss, purchasing mourning clothes, and attending the funeral as an "intimate friend." The satire targets the inconsistency of social performance: her private contempt contradicts her public mourning display. **"Forewarned"** (below) is an Irish-accented joke about theater: O'Halloran warns McGovern against attending a play tonight because "Sir Henry" dies in the last act—implying he witnessed the performance the night before and spoiled the ending. Both items mock hypocrisy and social pretense through humor: one targeting gendered social conventions around respectability and mourning; the other, the obliviousness of spoiling surprises.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HER CONSISTENCY. Mr. Smith (just home) —* Maria, you know Jones well. He "—— Maria (interrupting) — Now, Smith! I don’t want to hear anything about that disreputable man. He is the bane of my existence. Every night it is Jones did this or did that. Don’t mention his name to me.” A long silence. Mrs. Smith fidgets about, and with the consistency of woman asks, “ \What has that wretch done again? How I pity his wife!” Mr. Smith—* He died suddenly this morning.” Maria yu don’t say. What did he die of? Poor fellow! When is the funeral? How fortunate I just got a new black dress. Of course, being such an intimate friend, we must go.” Maria (to bereaved widow at the funeral) —* Yes, dear Mrs. Jones, I can fully understand your loss. We know what a good fellowhe was He was such a good friend of ours. Only time will help alleyiate your sorrow.” FOREWARNED. O'HALLORAN —"* It’s sorry Oi am to foind thot ye hov a ticket to the play to-noight, McGovern, fer ye'll not see Sir Hinnery.” McGovern —"" How do yez know thot ?” O'HALLORAN — “* Because Oi was here last noight, and wid me two eyes I seen him die in the last act.”” 3. —I've got an idea I think will work.— HOW HE GOT OVER IT. 4, —— I'm over !" comicbooks.com