Life — December 2, 1899 — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

As the baker handed over the twisted loaf, he wrapped it in a piece of the newspaper in which was the notice already quoted, and, on his way home, the young man's eye caught the words: “Wanted—A_ stepmother.” He could hardly wait for the elevator to reach the modest flat ou the seventh floor before he had rushed into the widow's apartments and breathlessly read aloud the item. “There, mother !" he cried, ‘* Lalways knew that some day there would be a chance for you!” “How do you mean, my son?” asked the widow, placidly, laying aside her spectacles, “Sho ordered the coutest to begin.” * The hand of fate is in it,” he shouted. with enthusiasm. ‘ Promise me that you will not let such an opportunity pass by! You must be the princess’ step- mother, Grant me this boon!" “] have never refused you any rea- sonable request,” said she, thoughtfully, “But this really requires some delibera- tion.” “Why, mother, everybudy says tha the king is perfectly charming and ——” “Moderately respectable monarchs are always described as charming—by their contemporaries,” said the widow. ‘‘ Now if I could only get the opinion of pos- terity, I should feel safer —" “What have clderly people starting out to make their fortunes got todo with safety!” he exclaimed, impatiently. “Now, if it were J who was to marry, caution would be in place—but elderly people—and second marriages—really, your ideas are quite revolu- “I suppose you must be right,” she said, musingiy. ‘ You've had litte or no experience of life, and your opinions ought to be fresh and unbiased by the exultation of success or the bitterness of failure.” So the widow rose slowly, and, picking the threads carefully from her gown, comichooks.cely)