Life — May 5, 1910 — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

Coming to (SCENE: A_modern city apartment. husband and wife enter the“ living room.” The husband strikes a light and applies it to his cigar. The wife settles back with an air of determination neutralized by a smile— indications that in her opinion a certain psychological moment has arrived. On the table are three school text-books—al- gebra, ancient history and a beginner's Latin—indicating the presence near by of a younger person, whose shrill voice can indeed occasionally be heard from an adjoining room Wire (very pleasantly) : Isn't it about time, dear, that we decided where we shall go this summer? Hustann (his face becoming slightly cynical): You mean that it is time for you to tell me where you have decided that we shall go. Wire: How unkind of you! I have been so busy — Hesvann (interrupting her with a sweep of his cigar) —buying things to go away with that you really haven't had time to think of the place—eh? Wire: Nothing of the sort. Huswaxo (relaxing): Ob, that’s all right, my dear. I understand. I'm not cross about it, Where do you think would be the best place to go? Wire: Not where we were last year Husnanv: I thought it was pretty good. Simple but good Wire: But you forget that Estelle is growing. She de- mands more. Huspano (inclined to bait her): More what? Wire: More life. Huspaxo: More foolishness, you mean. Wire: You don't understand at all. You don’t give any thought to these things. (Persuadingly.) Now won't you please let me explain? Don't you think that you ought to let me explain? Do you think that it is fair to Huswaxn: Go on. Explain. Wire: I simply couldn't when you put it that way you shut me right up. Huspaxp (very mildly): I assure you I didn’t mean it. I assure you, my dear girl, that I should be delighted to have you explain. The fact is, this is the first time that I have been able to get you to explain. You know your distaste for argument. For example, our expenses — Dinner is over and Why, RACING TERM THE FIRST LAP a Decision Wire: There you go again. Always expenses, always money, money, money, money! I am sick of it. Husnaxo: Now, now, don't be unreasonable. I am not going to mention money. I am ready to avoid anything you don’t want to talk about. But it was your suggestion. You proposed it. Wire: Proposed what? Huspaxo: Why, that know what. Wire: Oh, yes. I simply wanted you to listen and judge fairly. You never listen to my reasons, you know, but you always insist on giving me yours. Husaxn (pufing contentedly): Well, for once I'll do anything you say. Now, here’s a proposition. You explain everything—calmly, clearly, in your own delightful manner I will listen carefully, sympathetically and impartially. Then, when you have finished, I will give my reasons—that is, of course, supposing I may disagree. I may not disagree, you understand. I may be persuaded that you are entirely right. Why, my dear, this is too delightful. I’ve been wanting to have just this kind of a talk with you for years. Proceed Wire: Well, then, don’t you think that we ought to go— to go Huspanp (after a pause): Well, go on. Wire (rather hurriedly): To a nice hotel, where there is some life? Hvsvaxp: You mean to some nice, expensive hotel, where there is some life? Wire: [knew how it would be. I won't say anything more. Huspanp: There, there, forgive me. I didn’t mean that. I wasn’t fair. Yes, yes, I understand, some nice hotel—go on. Wire: Where there is life, and music, and dancing, and where only the best people go. You sce Estelle is just at the age where she needs to meet the very nicest people. It will influence her whole life. She will learn to be at her ease any- where then. And I shall be free from housekeeping, instead of that horrid farm where we were last year, and— Huswaxn (anxious to know the cost): Where's the hotel? Have you decided about it? Wire: I should love to go to the Lake Pine House. Husnaxp: You know how much it costs there? Wire: I don’t believe it is much more there than any- where else. I'd rather stay at home than Huswaxn: Oh, of course! Well, I can tell you. It will cost us at least two hundred dollars a week. Now, I am perfectly willing to do it. I wouldn't care if it cost a mil- lion a week—if | had the money. But I haven't, and that settles it. (A pause.) That's something there is no argu- ment about Wire (sith an impersonal air): weeks there than two months— Huswaxp: I understand that all right you explain something—I don’t Money! Always money! I'd rather spend two So would I. But comicbooks.com