Judge, 1921-06-04 · page 10 of 36
Judge — June 4, 1921 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Something New Under the Sunburn" This story satirizes the mercenary nature of courtship among the wealthy. A man named Millington Murchison proposes to Rosamond Spenderly, a woman he's deliberately chosen *because* of her extravagance—her expensive tastes, overspending, and reckless financial habits. Rather than hide this mercenary motivation, he openly admits he loves her *for* being expensive. The joke's punchline: he plans to marry her solely to exploit her lavish lifestyle for *publicity*, positioning himself as her "press agent." Her extravagances will make him famous. She accepts this arrangement happily, asking for orchids instead of daffodils. The satire targets Gilded Age matrimonial practices where wealthy men sought advantageous marriages, while also mocking the conspicuous consumption culture and how publicity/notoriety could be monetized. The woman's willing participation suggests Judge's sardonic view that both parties in such arrangements are equally calculating and morally empty.
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Drawn by Cass. Ro Wirune Sour Noten Cuanacters Resiot Something New Under the Sunburn By W.R. Gieseet KNOW now that I love y Millingtor. Murchison was no fool His penetrating eyes seemed to look quite through the queenly young woman who sat opposite to him “The fact that I have waited before making this laration until 1 was assured of certain characteristics must not seem too calculating on my part,” he went on, “but I realize that where so much is at stake for us both it is neces sary that care should be taken. When, therefore, I first took you out to luncheon. and observed that, without any hesitation at all. vou immediately selected the most expensive things on the bill of fare. I felt drawn toward you at once.” Rosamond Spenderly smiled back at him *L was afraid,” she said, “that you might think me extravagant. You do not understand me yet.” her lover replied impetuously. “I noticed ulmost immediately that nothing was too good for you, and I said to myself, ‘Here is the one woman in the world for me." When you insisted upon my buying the theatre seats of speculators, when you told me that y had overdrawn your a ance, and that your dressmaker’s and tailor’s bills were things that your father didn’t dream of, why, what with me had cen simple admiration immediately leepened into the most fervent desire.” He leaned slightly forward and took her nd in his. Will you be my wife, Rosamond? To me you are the loveliest and most expen- sive thing in all the world.” “It never occurred to me,” she said frankly, “that you would care to run the low- » Ritt— GIN Asertcs, risk of taking me fora wife. You are now a free, careless bachelor, with no troubles. But with me—think with what you will have to contend. As a wife I shall desire many things, expensive th luxuries.” ‘I know it,” he said, “I know that what you say is too true, but it is my duty. and I must not shrink from it.”” “Duty! she repeated. “What have these things to do with duty?” “Simply this,” replied her sublime suitor, “my duty will be to exploit you.” “T don't understand,” Rosamund looked zzled. “Weren't we speaking of love pe and marriage? ‘Precisely. And as the husband of the loveliest, the rarest, the most unique and reckless spendthrift. it shall be my duty to exploit you; in other words your extrav- Drown by Nowass Axtuoxr agances shall not lack publicity, I shall become your press agent. Does it appeal to you?” “Perfectly. We shall be very happy.” “Come then,” said the newly accepted lover, “let’s not waste this glorious spring afternoon in doors. We'll walk down the avenue and stop in the forist’s for some flowers. Wouldn't you like a bunch of daffodils?” “No orchids!” To the Editor By Revoes Peterson, Jr "VE never Written verse that’s Free I've never hoped you'd Buy It But I can tell you Secretly If you don’t buy—I'll Diet! He Didn't Forget “I just love eatin’,” Tommy avowed “Don’t forget the ‘g.’ Tommy.” ice! but I just love eatin You Never Sausage a Thing—Aitch A! Post—Did vou ever hear the joke about the Dutchman who made three barrels of sauerkraut to have in the house in case of sickness? Parker—Oh, yes, he was prepared for the wurst Artist's Material “Lt that Blank’s new factory is a success. “What does he make?” “Oh, jimmies and other professional tools.”” Feetincs or a Sensitive Maw tn His First Pats Beacn Surr. comicbooks.com