Judge, 1916-05-06 · page 13 of 28
Judge — May 6, 1916 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a romantic comedy story illustration, not political satire. It depicts a young couple kissing on a sofa, nervously checking that they won't be discovered—worrying about the presence of a little brother, a deaf aunt, and most importantly, the girl's father. The humor centers on Victorian-era courtship anxieties: the couple must hide their affection from authority figures, particularly the stern father. The girl's parents have different reactions—her mother approves but her father is "irascible" and strict about money. The punchline (cut off but visible) appears to be that despite the father's stern demeanor and the couple's fears, he ultimately approves—"only for fifty" (likely dollars, suggesting he's mercenary but ultimately buyable). The illustration captures the era's social conventions where parental approval was crucial and young people had limited privacy for courtship.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
By J. A, WALDRON M OM EN T LANCING cautiously about, they kissed and settled close together on the spacious sofa. “I wonder where that dear little brother is, darling?” he asked. “The little wretch! I hope he isn’t underneath!” She rose and searched the re that in every sofa sometimes s s a little brother, using his cane in the exploration. she said, still exploring, * ¢ safe from him for the presen’ But there was a startling noise as she gave a parting dig with the cane, and a small dog ran out with continued protest. he dear spinster aunt’s pup?” he queried. “Yes. And I hate the beast!” In no gentle manner she helped the animal to seclusion, And the dear aunt’s ear—do you imagine it is in the immediate neighborhood?” “Haven't I told you, dearest, that she is quite deaf?” “How about her eye—cither eye?” “This sofa is removed from the range of any keyhole, dear.” They settled down and kissed again. “TI wish your father were as easy as your mother, dear,” he ventured. “Easy?” “About us, I mean. She knows our secret.” “And approves of you, darling. I’m a little apprehensive as to papa myself.” quest “Would you marry me if he were to object?” “Do you mean an elopement?” “Why not, if it should be necessary?” He drew her to him and shey ed again. “Oh, I should just love to elope “But I hope it will not be nece things regular and conventional. man, and set in his way.” “But what objection could he possibly make to you? You are handsome "—more kisses—‘‘and of a good family. And you have money. That would be the main thing with papa.” “Does he, then, think so much of mere dross?” “Everything, I’m afraid. If we...” Her thought was interrupted by an opening door. Her father, with an ominous frown, came toward them, It was a tense mo- ment. He looked at them both, as though in doubt, and then to his daughter: “Your mother has just told me this young man is making love to you—that he desires to marry you. Will you leave me with him for a moment?” She rose apprehensively. Approaching the door, she looked back at them steadily. Her father was an irascible man—sometimes unreasonable—and in a matter so vital, what might not happen? What if they should quarrel? What if her father should strike her lover? He did. But it was only for fifty. . I should prefer to have all Yet I fear your father is a stern comicbooks.com