Judge, 1912-06-29 · page 8 of 25
Judge — June 29, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes wealthy American women's vulnerability to fortune-hunting European aristocrats. Mrs. Richly, a millionaire, expresses doubt about the Count's love despite his protestations. The joke's bitter edge lies in his final line: he wouldn't "lose much" by not loving her—implying his only motivation is her money, not genuine affection. The "Count de Bumbum" name itself mocks European nobility as ridiculous and worthless ("not worth a sou"). The Newport villa setting references the exclusive Rhode Island resort where wealthy Americans displayed their fortunes. Judge uses this scene to critique both the gullibility of rich American women and the predatory nature of impoverished European title-holders seeking wealthy American wives—a common Gilded Age phenomenon.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
AT HER NEWPORT VILLA. Mrs, Richly (worth millions) —'' But, my dear Count, if I could only be certain of your love !"* Count de Bumbum (not worth a sou)—‘ Ab, madame! how can you doubt? Have I not my ardent feeling express? And would I not lose much if I do not love you?"