Life — December 31, 1891 — page 32: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“EACH DINER STARED AT HER WITH HORROR.” ‘Twentv-sixth Street. She glided over the turf and through the trees with all the keen delight incident to her changed condition. As she could not read English, the signs, “ Keep off the Grass,” had no effect on her. Soon, in one of the paths, she encountered a mortal. She recognized him as a worshipper at the shrine of her fellow-divinity, Bacchus, for his gait was unsteady. Nevertheless she thought he might be that youth whose first love should release her from her exile. As he neared her he seemed greatly emprised. He mumbled to himself : “ Mos’ s’prisin’ thing in world,” he said, “ how fellows get mix’ on dates. Here | been cel’btratin’ ‘Smes Eve, an’ affer all's ni’ o° Fresh Ball. Here comes Queen of Am'zons— am‘zons, za’s ri—ou' for walk. Hafto speak Queen Am’zons.”” Diana regarded him curiously. It wasn’t his condition which interested her so much as his garb, and the prospect that he might be her rescuer from a cruel fate. From her lofty perch she had seen many dudes, but always at such long range that she could distinguish few of the details of their attire. But the young man was speaking to her. “G'devenin,’ lady,” he remarked pleasantly. ‘ Many peopl'at ball s‘evenin’?” Diana was looking at him curiously, and paid little heed to his words. “Mos'remark’ble sing in wol’,” the young man con- tinued. ‘Don’ see how I could ma’ suchem’stake. Sought al’ ti’ ‘twas ‘Smas Eve, an’ here ‘tis Fresh Ball. Many peopl'at ball, 'sevenin’, lady? ‘Swater flowin’ jus'like wine, as usual? No—'at's no’ri—'swine flowin’ jus’like—jus'like jus'as usual? Bu’ grashusme, lady, how you have 't Las’ time saw Queen Am’zons, no’ larger’n me. Fresh Ball mus‘gree wi Queen Amazons.” Here the young man gave a lurch and attempted to save himself by clutching at Diana. When she felt the profane touch, Diana's eyes flashed and hurled looks of anger at the impious mortal. comicbooks.com