Judge, 1919-06-28 · page 13 of 37
Judge — June 28, 1919 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Diffidence of No Avail" This 1920s short story satirizes romantic pursuits and gender dynamics among wealthy urbanites. Two women—Mrs. Cliffe (a widow) and Elinor—lunch at an upscale hotel and spot an attractive businessman, Mortimer Hazzard. Elinor explains he's famously bashful around women, which the women view as advantageous: a shy husband won't philander and is "easily managed." Mrs. Cliffe decides to pursue him, claiming she needs him to manage her financial securities. Elinor sees through this, suggesting she's fallen instantly in love. The satire targets female marital calculation—Mrs. Cliffe exploits the assumption that a timid man makes a controllable husband, while also using wealth (securities) as bait. The humor lies in reversing the typical seduction narrative: the woman pursues the reluctant man strategically, not romantically.
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Illustration by HO is that man, I wonde Mrs. Cliffe indicated a good-looking chap of reserved manner at a small table in as retired a location as the room afforded. She was having luncheon at the Giltmore with her friend Elinor. “Why do you wonder d Elinor. “Oh, because! “What an answer from one woman to another where a man is concerned!” Mrs. Cliffe was an engaging widow far enough re- moved from her bereavement to resume the gayety of spirit that naturally distinguished her. ‘Well, then,” she said, “I like his looks.” The lone man had s thrill through her without even looking her way. “So do I like his looks.” “Who is he?” “Mortimer Hazzard. But it is useless to look at him, dear. His name belies him in a sentimental sense. A natural bachelor. Some call him a woman-hater. Nonsense! Th are no real woman-haters among men. Hazzard is simply abnormally bashful.” “Well, what is he Mrs. Cliffe turned to glance at him again. “A very successful business man, regarded by his men friends, I understand, as a normal male person, except that they rally him upon his fear of women.” Tuenx, Sue Sai, ‘1 Diffidence of By J. A. Waiprox Lawrence Like His Looxs!** No Avail FetLows And them!” “He has none. At least there is no one in sight. Yet some woman may snare him—and win a priz “Because he is bashful and a successful business man?” “Exactly. A shy husband is booty indeed. He'll never philander on the side and a man of that sort is easily managed.” Mrs. Cliffe sighed and looked at the prize again. Cliffe had been a reckless person, running from flirta- tion to flirtation, “I want to meet Mr. Hazzard,” she said. There was a finality in her tone not disclosed by her phrasin “T’m not satisfied with the person who has my business in hand. | want Mr. Hazzard to man- age my affairs—if he would.” “You have advantages, dear, aside from physical harmony. 1 understand you are encumbered with a lot of gilt-edged securities. They don’t much looking after, but they afford you an excuse.” “An excuse!” “Don’t talk to me in riddles, dear! You've fallen in love with that man at sight! One of those passions as sudden as a summer storm—and maybe as ephem- eral.” “Elinor!” “Oh, well. his women friends? Surely he must have This may be permanent. If I knew