Life, 1896-10-01 · page 13 of 18
Life — October 1, 1896 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page illustrates a dramatic scene from a serialized story by Louis Evan Shipman, likely from an early 20th-century *Life* magazine issue. The narrative depicts a masquerade ball scene where the protagonist "Jack" attempts to escort a woman named "Polly" past pursuing figures (Sandy and Bob are battering down a door). The illustration shows two figures in formal masquerade attire—a man in top hat and tuxedo alongside a woman in an elaborate gown and mask. The dramatic moment captures Jack demanding Polly remove her mask to preserve her reputation before the intruders arrive. The plot twist reveals "the Doctor" is actually Polly's father, who unmasks her and discovers the compromising situation. The story explores themes of social propriety, scandal, and consequences—typical melodramatic concerns of the era. The phrase "Let us pass!" captures the desperation of the moment as Jack tries to exit with dignity intact.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
255 he gave a lurch against it that set it quivering. I knew that meant they were coming, whether or no, and another bump of Sandy’s broad shoulders, rein- forced by Bob's this time, made the hinges creak, and strengthened my conviction. “Take off your mask!” I com- manded, turning to Polly. “Oh, Jack,” she murmured, piti- fully. “Take it off!" I said. fiercely. “You have nothing to lose, and I have. I don’t propose to have those fellows think I'm a black- guard as well as a fool.” She tore it from her face at that, and stood there white and trem- bling, and very beautiful; and ina breath’s time later the door’s fas- tenings burst with a crash, letting in a dishevelled lot, who gazed dumbfounded, from Polly to me. “Come,” said I, with a great deal of dignity, and I drew Polly's arm through mine and disappeared through the wrecked doorway and down the hall, leaving the amazed crowd behind. **Put your mask on,” I said, as we hurried along, for I could see the eye of the curious fastened on her. She had no more than ad- justed it, when I saw a fantastically draped figure approaching. us, evi- dently with the intention of speak- ing, and I was not mistaken. “Jack Oliver, you rogue!” it said. and with a shiver I recognized the voice. Polly was so frightened that she knew nothing. The figure barred the way. “Let us pass!” I said angrily. “Ah, you sly dog, Jack. Polly shall know of this. Let me see the lady's face,” and before I could prevent he had snatched the mask from her. “Polly! By Jupiter !" cried the Doctor, for it was he. ‘* Father !" almost screamed she. Five minutes afterward, in a cab, she was sobbing it all out on my coat sleeve. “How could you, Jack—how could you take me to such a place ?” she asked with her first speaking breath. And that made me tired. “Ler us. pass!” Louis Evan Shipman. comicbooks.com