Judge, 1920-07-10 · page 13 of 36
Judge — July 10, 1920 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# John's Diplomacy This is a romantic comedy story (not a political cartoon) from Judge magazine, illustrated by Lawrence Fellows. The narrative follows John, an engaged man of modest means, as he navigates buying an engagement ring with his fiancée Bess. The satire targets early 20th-century courtship conventions and male economic anxieties. John's "diplomacy" involves clever compromises: he can't afford Tiffany's finest rings, so he gets a letter of introduction to a wholesale jeweler to "save the middleman's profit." He also insists Bess accompany him to select the ring rather than guessing her size—framed as thoughtfulness but also practical necessity given his budget constraints. The humor lies in John presenting financial limitations as romantic consideration, while Bess graciously accepts his modest approach. It reflects period concerns about young men's ability to marry and provide, and the social performance required around engagement rituals.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Axp Brs Deawine Hersere Partiy Aw » Looxen ar His bovine John’s Diplomacy By J. Illustration b HEY kissed to seal the engagement, John’s salute being emphasized by the warmth of his embrace. And Bess, drawing herself partly away, looked at him lovingly Now, darling,” said he. “nothing more is needed to bind us until the happier day but a ring.” \ring. Of course’ That she had already th ring was platent from her air of expectancy And vou shall go with me to select it, dearest.” he added. I know that some young men get the measurement of a finger a fit, but t prise. And others get a rir girl has to have it fixed to be sure at must take away something of sur But my way is best. You'll go with me Oh, how thoughtful of you, John, dear!” She put up her lips again Ii L were a millionaire, or the son of I should have brought you the finest ring to be had at Tiffany's I kad in some way measured your finger without seeming to do millionaire aphazard, and if it doesn’t fit, the \. WaLpRon Lawrence Fruiows so. But I'ma young man nout too much money, although very good. And I know love me for my willing to wait until | get to the point where I my prospects self alone can please you with surprises.” “Of course. dear—I know. Aud your asking me to go with you to pick out a ring isa great compliment in itself.” “Thank you He initiated the kiss this time. is Saturday I'll eall for you early and we will have luncheon at some quiet place after we have found the r ‘ “Is it at Tift “No. I have friend of his who To-morrow Lam not goir he office. 1 letter to a wholesale jeweler from a ¢ sts that T can save the middleman’s pr ona ring.” “Isn't that fin You are so clever, dear! The next ning John and Bess visited th eler. That expert gentleman was very grac John’s letter of introduction. It was quite unusual to h Prospective groom and his tlancée as visitors on such an errand, holesale jew-