Life, 1908-09-24 · page 11 of 24
Life — September 24, 1908 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a short story titled "The Price" with two accompanying illustrations. The left cartoon shows a man in a top hat admiring an ostrich—captioned "I ALWAYS DID ADMIRE TALL MEN," a visual pun playing on the ostrich's height and the phrase's double meaning. The main illustration shows a man and woman in an outdoor setting, accompanying the narrative about a couple's disagreement over the wife's allowance and vacation plans. The story depicts marital negotiation, with the husband ultimately apologizing and capitulating to his wife's wishes. The content reflects early 20th-century gender dynamics and domestic comedy—a common satirical subject in Life magazine. The humor derives from the husband's attempt at authority undermined by his affection for his wife.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Price *PQEFORE a window to admire a Remarkably ornate tiars A lady, compassed by obesi Exclaimed, “Oh, my! How very high For such an absolute necessity!" A Sudden Cure W met occasionally—myself and the man who always has advice to offer. I mentioned my wife, my dear, trusting, loving wife. “Of course,’’ I said, in a burst of confidence, “Adele tries hard, but she will exceed her allowance, and—" He put his hand on my arm. “Old man,” he said, “I know. I un- derstand. ‘ow, if I were in your place, I would lay out a line of conduct. [ would figure the whole thing out, then [ would tell her gently, always gently, what I could do, and I'd stick to it. wouldn't waver. It will be a trifle hard at first, but it's justice to her. Th what I would do—if I were in your place."* I thought it might be a good idea, and we parted. We met again “I haven't made up my mind,’ I said—unguardedly—“ just where to go for my vacation. It's a rather hard matter to decide."’ He looked at me affectionate! “Ab!"’ he exclaimed. “I don’t want to interfere, but I think I know. If I were'in: your. place: T'would. go-— He spent half an hour in showing me. ALWAYS DID ADMIRE TALL MEN BILLY DOUX “PERMAPS THIS WILL Our memories are unstable. The next time I ran across him I had forgotten “I'm in a quandary,” I exclaimed, “over an investment. I was offered a estate yesterday, which On the other hand, there piece of real looks good are some bonds— He clasped my hand rapturously. “I'm so glad you mentioned it,” he exclaimed. “I think I can see right. I have certain information Now, if I were in your place I got away in an hour. Perhaps I should have avoided him, but he was really a good fellow. He had what is often referred to as “A kind heart.” Besides, intelli- gent “ Shall I get a suit made to order, or you he was REACH WIS HEART one ready made?" 1 said on the next oceasion, “If 1 were in said, calmly, “I— your place—" he Perhaps I shouldn't have done it, but the worm “ Look “Enough of thi If will turn. here!’ I cried, fiercely you were in my place, you exasperating idiot, you would do as I do, confound you!" And then hé rose up in his wrath “No, I wouldn't!" he cried. “If I were in your place I'd have character and decision enough about me to decide matters for myself and not go hesitating about the world trying to excite the sympathy of decent men” And suddenly, as I humbly apologized, a great light dawned upon me. comicbooks.com