Life, 1910-09-22 · page 13 of 40
Life — September 22, 1910 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical social scene depicting upper-class New York society. The illustration shows a fashionable interior where Mrs. van Ingen-Smythe encounters Mr. van I.-S., whom she hasn't seen in some time. The dialogue reveals social pretense: they exchange polite pleasantries about a yacht visit and summer travels, while Mrs. van I.-S. pointedly asks about Mrs. Langley Mortimer—implying marital infidelity or scandal. The final line suggests Mrs. van I.-S. was staying at the prestigious Albrights' home, hinting at society gossip and the performative nature of elite social interactions where private affairs are conducted under a veneer of civility.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“wity, 1etto! ARMISTEAD VAN IN- SMYTH costume, enters the di + Fifth Avenue mansion, followed by a footman and maid, both laden down with rugs, hand-bags, ete. Mrs. van Ingen-Smythe is laden down with a bottle of smelling salts. Mrs. van Ix MYTHE (throwing herself into a chair): Home at last! Thank heaven! (The portiéres are drawn and Mr. van Ingen-Smythe enters.) Mr. van 1-S. (in surprise): Ak, my dear—you home? | had no idea. May 1? (kisses her hand). Mrs. van L-S.: I just got in from Newport. And you? "LIPE* Family Cares and Family Joys T MAD NO IDEA I'D FIND YOU IN NEW YORK.” Mr. van L-S.: [ just came in with the yacht. I passed New- port a day or two only known I'd have dropped in on you for a call. Mrs. van I That's thoughtful of you, I'm sure! Mr. van L.-S.: Oh, don’t mention it! With the Albrights, I suppose? Mrs. van L-S.: Yes. We were won- dering only yesterday in what part of the world you might be. Mr. van L-S. (bowing): Very kind, indeed. I trust you had a pleasant summer, . Mrs. van I.-S.: Oh, charming, thank you, And you? Mr. van L-S.: Delightful—that is, as delightful as it could be without you. Mrs. van 1.-S. (holding up hand): Quite unnecessary, Armistead! And ey Mortimer? Oh, you know about her, do you? Even one’s private affairs are not respected now; Ss. Mrs. van L-S.: 1k Isn't it dis- gusting? I was ing to the Al- brights only last week—