Judge, 1916-02-19 · page 5 of 28
Judge — February 19, 1916 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a romantic short story by Lewis Allen rather than political satire. The narrative concerns Stella Canton, who rejects suitor Archie Lockwood's advances, claiming indifference to marriage. The story plays on early 1860s courtship conventions—Archie attempts various persuasive tactics to win her affection, referencing "One of the Decisive Engagements of 1863" (likely the American Civil War), while Stella maintains her independence and emotional detachment. The accompanying illustration shows a woman in period dress confronting a man, depicting their romantic tension. The small advertisement for "Vanishing Cream" occupies the lower right. The piece appears aimed at Judge's audience through gentle humor about gender relations and marriage prospects during the Civil War era, when such domestic narratives provided escapist entertainment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ONE OF THE RL H E G RCHIE LOCKWOOD leaped the hedge that divided the gardens between his own and Stella Cran- ston’s home, landing lightly beside Stella, who looked up, grinned and unblushingly continued to tuff her cop- per hair to the breezes. “Posing as a siren, Stell?” “Washing my hair, stupid. And let me hint that you might speak before you leap into my boudoir in this manner. 1 might net care to sce you.” “That's why you are such a dandy chum, Stell, you never do care to see me. You go flapping around in ar old ki nono, look- ing your worst, when you know very well you're not a bad looker when you doll up.” “Why should I doll up for you?” “Shouldn't, worse luck. If you did I'd be afraid of you “Uh-huh.” Stella removed a braid from between her red lips. “I know. Since your Uncle Silas left you that half million or so, every girl in town but one has been trying to grab you.” “It may seem immodest to agree, but you're right, and I hate it. Say, it’s grea to run over here and see you posi —— W H O D I By LEWIS ALLEN “Go on and say it, Archie. ‘Sloppy’ is the word you have in mind.” rhanks. Of course I know you don’t care two bent and rusty pins about me——” “Why make it feo bent and rusty pins when one will do?” 5: great to know a girl who doesn’t care a da—dash about me.” “Don’t be so finnicky. Say the other word. It is true—and stronger. But watch out, Tr. Archibald Lockwood, for some dolled-up girl is going to hook both delicate hands into your collar and then—well, you'll quit running over here and bothering me.” bis , we'll alw be the same chums and-—ye gods, Mrs. Latimer and her girls are calling.” “Hurry, Archic. You're safe there for a while. As soon as they fight it out be- tween them which one is to have you, then you'll be a goner.” Archie leaped the hedge. The next afternoon he leaped back again. “Go away, I'm weiting a letter,” com- plained Stella. Archie took the pad and fountain pen from her hands and dropped them on the gr then he lifted her up from the bench, put one arm about her, raised her chin and DN’T DECISIVE ENGAGEMENTS OF 1863 C ARE kissed her. Stella struggled and clenched her little fist as though to strike him. “Wha—wha—” “T've been a fool long enough, Stell. Let’s get married!” “Married—what do you mean, Archie?” VANISHING CREAM comicbooks.com