Judge, 1915-08-07 · page 13 of 28
Judge — August 7, 1915 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a domestic comedy story (not a political cartoon) by J.A. Waldron depicting upper-class boredom and marital gamesmanship during wartime—likely WWI, given the reference to "if this war hadn't happened." **The Setup:** Mrs. Julian, bored and seeking entertainment, proposes a masquerade party to enliven their dull social circle. Her husband Julian is preoccupied with golf and one-upping a rival named Wilkins, plus flirtation with "Miss Gracie." **The Satire:** The piece mocks wealthy society's shallow concerns—they're emotionally distant ("sour"), restless despite privilege, and petty (Julian's competitive golfing). The title suggests life is a series of games: social games, romantic games, competitive games. Mrs. Julian's "entertainment" scheme is itself a game to regain her husband's attention. **Modern relevance:** It satirizes how privilege breeds ennui and how people manufacture drama to escape monotony, a theme still recognizable today.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Re NE ok SmI he THERE ARE MORE By J. A. ONE GAMES THAN WALDRON 66JTF I COULD only think of something interesting to kill time!"" exclaimed Mrs. Julian, as she settled in her seat at break- fast. She w: bit haggard and apparently had come from her boudoir in haste. “You might,’’ suggested Julian, permitting a yawn to reach a point beyond polite suppression, ‘‘you might have taken a little more time at your toilet."” “Why are you so sour this morning, dear?’’ Mrs. Julian flushed. Julian's admiration was dear to her. ‘‘I hurried down just to catch you. I thought you might help me out."’ “Is it something for your own amusement?’’ “Not for myself alone, dear. You ought to know that. We're getting into a rut here. Oh, if this war hadn't happened !"" “Yes, It's adeuced bore. We'd have been at Monte Carlo or on the Riviera or somewhere else now. You've set nothing before me for weeks but dinners with frumpy neighbors as guests, sup- plemented by the inevitable dances.” “But I've noted you like the dances. Last night you insisted on doing the fox trot with that little minx, Miss Gracie, until I got dizzy watching you."” “Of course you'd not like me to be rude to your guests. I haven't had a good night's rest since we left town."’ And Julian yawned again openly and without shame. “But why rise so early mornings? Can't you give up golf for a day or so and rest up?” “And let the hook get back in my drive, eh? I think too much of showing up that bounder Wilkins. I guess I'll pass up the dance for a night or two.'"* “You'll not have to. I’ve nothing on now for three days. That's what gave me the inspiration. The Gadleys invited us over for a dinner and dance to-morrow, but I pleaded illness and said you had an engagement in town."” “Well, what's your inspiration?’’ “T want to give an entertainment. Something unique. We can build a stage on the lawn or manage it indoors. I want to excite curiosity."" **And the jealousy of your neighbors. All right. Go ahead. But what's the idea?’’ ‘*Let's have a masquerade.”’ “Very well.'’ And Julian went out to show up that bounder Wilkins at golf. Mrs. Julian went ahead. With the assistance of an actor whose summer presence in the neighborhood had been ignored, and who was joyous at recognition, the masquerade was planned. The Gadleys and others, including Wilkins and Miss Gracie, were enlisted. Mrs. Julian, who was unduly proud of her shape, in- comicbooks.com