Life, 1908-05-07 · page 29 of 48
Life — May 7, 1908 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features an illustration by Coles Phillips titled "Curst Hard Reading," depicting a man straining to read from what appears to be an early electrical device or machine—likely representing new technology of the era. The accompanying letter is a breakup note from H. Billings Lee to Marguerite Denning, written in formal, somewhat cruel language. It quotes Kipling to suggest their relationship was based on illusion rather than genuine connection, mentions destroying her letters, and coldly terminates their acquaintance. **The satire**: The juxtaposition of the "hard reading" illustration with this curt dismissal likely satirizes the difficulty of interpreting romantic intentions or love letters—the technological struggle mirrors the emotional/intellectual struggle of deciphering a lover's true feelings. The man's contorted effort to read reflects the confusion of receiving such a coldly formal rejection disguised in literary language.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*LIFE- Extract from a Letter —wisdom of terminating at once our unfortunate acquaintance. As Kipling has it: . Twas idleness we took for Fate, That bound light bonds on you and me.” Your photograph has already been mailed to you. Your letters, I regret to say, have not been preserved. Very truly yours, H. Billings Lee May 2, 1908. Marguerite Denning, 104 Rochelle Park, Hartford, Conn. J = a © COLES PHILLIPS. CURST HARD READING comicbooks.com