Life, 1911-12-28 · page 27 of 41
Life — December 28, 1911 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This story-illustration satirizes the anxieties of the accommodating middle-class male in early 20th-century America. The three sketches labeled "The Volunteer" and "The Regular" contrast two masculine archetypes: the eager-to-please husband (left) who cannot refuse his wife's requests, and the practical family man (right) managing domestic responsibilities. The narrative depicts Pitkin, an obliging businessman who agrees to transport Mrs. Shorter's valuable pearl necklace to Chicago—a favor his wife has already volunteered him for without asking. The satire targets masculine social weakness: Pitkin's inability to decline requests despite his time constraints and growing anxiety about the responsibility. The story emphasizes his worried questions ("If I should be killed—") versus Mrs. Shorter's dismissive reassurance, highlighting how such "helpful" husbands become unwitting mules for others' needs, their compliance masking actual discomfort.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE VOLUNTEER Handed Over ITKIN had just finished reading his morning’s mail when the tele- phone rang. It was his wife. “What time does your train go this afternoon?” she asked. “At three fifteen.” Pitkin was off for Chicago that afternoon on a business trip. He had already said good-bye to his wife. He was going to luncheon, then on an er- rand or so, and after that to the train. “Mrs. Shorter wants you to do her a favor.” “Who's Mrs. Shorter?” “Don't you remember? They moved in about six months ago. Charming woman; she wants you to take some- thing to Chicago for her.” “Oh, yes, I remember ; what is it?” “Tell you when I see you; can you take lunch with us? We'll meet you at the Plantaganet at one o'clock.” The Plantaganet was a nearby res- taurant. Pitkin looked at his watch; he made rapid calculations. “Well, I suppose so,” back. “Be prompt.” He was the kind of a man who never refused his wife anything, if he could do it. An extremely accommo- dating man, he called Promptly at one o'clock he entered the dining room of the Plantaganet. The ladies were waiting for him. He shook hands with Mrs. Shorter—effu- sive, conspicuous and grateful. They took their places at a quict table in the corner. Mrs. Shorter explained her mission. “My niece is going to a dance Thursday,” she said, “and I promised that I would let her wear my pearl necklace—you see, it’s a grand affair, and she is my favorite niece; and there was no way of sending it to her. It is so valuable that I didn’t dare send it by express, even if there is time—which I doubt. She tele- graphed me about it. I learned this morning that you were going on and your wife said that she knew you would be delighted to deliver it to her.” “Certainly,” replied Pitkin. “I'll put it in my inside pocket and take it there the first thing.” “Here's her address and here’s her picture, so that you will know her; but she expects it, as I wired her you would be there on time. It’s awfully good of you, Mr. Pitkin.” “Don't mention it,” replied Pitkin. THE REGULAR Mrs. Shorter reached into her hand bag and pulled out a jeweler’s case. She opened it and handed it over to Pitkin. “Magnificent!” he exclaimed. “Wonderful!” whispered Mrs. Pit- kin, “Yes,” said Mrs. Shorter, “my hus- band gave them to me on my birth- day—one pearl for each year—but do you know, I haven't really enjoyed them, I have to be so careful of them. I only wear them on great occasions.” Pitkin took out the pearls and gazed at them in deep admiration. He began to quail at the responsi- bility. “Tf I should be killed mured. “Nonsense!” exclaimed his wife. . Shorter understands all about ” he mur- Certainly I do!” exclaimed Mrs. Shorter. “And I don’t want you to feel any responsibility about it at all; I am sure nothing will happen; and I shall be so grateful to you all the rest of my life.” After luncheon, Pitkin, with the pearls in his inside pocl bade good- bye to the ladies and hurried away to his train. He located his section, made himself comfortable, and in an (Continued on page 1193) comicbooks.com