Judge — January 5, 1929 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Indisposed Pearl" This satirical story concerns three businessmen debating whether to remove a contaminated pearl (numbered 22) from their collection at a fancy jewelry house. The pearl is "sick"—possibly infected or defective—and its presence threatens the others. The humor derives from treating the pearl's illness like a human patient requiring medical care (hot water bags, nurses). The men debate whether to isolate it, remove it entirely, or simply leave it alone and hope it recovers. The accompanying illustration shows a woman nursing a sick child, captioned "Portrait of a woman nursing an Old Grudge"—a separate satirical comment about maternal care and lingering resentments. The story's point appears to be social satire about how wealthy men handle problems: through uncomfortable debate rather than decisive action.