Judge, 1913-12-06 · page 17 of 40
Judge — December 6, 1913 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a short story illustration titled "Santa Goodleigh's Reunion" by Terrell Love Holliday, not a political cartoon. The narrative depicts Dr. Goodleigh, a benevolent older gentleman dressed as Santa Claus, orchestrating a Christmas Eve reunion between his divorced acquaintances Betty Huyler and Jack. The doctor has secretly arranged for them both to appear at his holiday gathering, hoping that the festive atmosphere, mistletoe, and "peace and good-will spirit" will reconcile them. The satire targets sentimental Victorian-era matchmaking: the doctor admits he "craftily schemed" their meeting and needs "fifty" dollars (apparently his fee for such interventions), having previously earned fifty before. The joke rests on the contrast between his innocent Santa persona and his calculated manipulation—using holiday sentimentality and seasonal props to achieve romantic outcomes for profit. The lower panel, "The Original Parcel Post," appears to be a separate, unrelated holiday illustration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
F THE MAN WHO DID HIS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY Santa Goodleigh’s Reunion By TERRELL LOVE HOLLIDAY DF. GOODLEIGH’S study was gay with holiday decorations. Their wraps removed, he led them to the high-backed settle At each window hung an evergreen wreath. From the and seated himself between them. ceiling above the hearth swung a huge holly bell, and various “It does seem good to, have you here,’’ said Santa Claus sprays of mistletoe were placed where the willing or the unsus- Goodleigh, affectionately patting Jack’s knee. pecting might stand beneath them. <‘We are—glad to be here,”’ replied Betty, a trifle embar- “The stage is set,’’ quoth the doctor,.casting about hima assed. It was the first time she and Jack had met since their twinkling eye. ‘‘Now for. the drama. I do hope things will divorce. turn out as I have planned. I want the dear children to be happy.’” As he stood stroking his long white beard, which sprang from ruddy cheeks and flowed abundantly over an ample waistcoat, the doctor looked the part of Santa Claus in undress uniform. “To-night is their anniversary. They were married in this room. With the peace and good-will spirit to soften their hearts, they should, according to. all the precedents, be reunited to-night. I sincerely trust that they will,’ he sighed. ‘‘I certainly need fifty. They gave me fifty before.’’ “Merry Christmas!’’ cried Betty Huyler, breezing into the study in her impulsive way. The reverend gentleman pinched her cheek and turned to greet Jack, who followed, though they had not come together. “Why, bess my soul,’? boomed the doctor, beaming at them with as much surprise as if he had not craftily schemed to bring them there. ‘‘I’m glad to see you!’” THE ORIGINAL PARCEL POST comicbooks.com