Life, 1913-07-31 · page 14 of 36
Life — July 31, 1913 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a short story about a man named Maltby who arrives unannounced at a seaside hotel seeking refuge from society. The proprietor welcomes him, emphasizing the hotel's policy of minimal modern distractions—no automobiles, limited entertainment, only water and milk to drink. The accompanying illustration shows beachgoers in bathing attire, with a caption humorously depicting a woman's complaint about a man's unfashionable swimming costume. The story appears to satirize early 20th-century social anxieties: the desire to escape urban modernity, concerns about proper decorum at leisure destinations, and tensions between tradition and changing social customs. The unexpected arrival of Maltby's family members suggests ironic commentary on the impossibility of true escape from one's obligations.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
190 The Unpremeditated Rendezvous M““t8y. putting his name on the hotel register, turned to the smil- ing proprietor. “I understand,” he said, “that this is about the only place in the entire country in the summer where a man can actually rest.” “You're correct about that, sir,” re- plied the proprietor. “ We've had im- mense pressure brought to bear upon us, but we've resisted. No automobiles within two miles; no card playing; nothing to drink but water and milk; no distractions.” “That’s what I've heard, and that’s why I'm here. I simply had to do it in self-defense. I had to get away from my family and friends, Give me a quiet room and let me sleep for a week.” At this moment a stage, coming along the opposite road from the one on which Maltby traveled, drew up to the entrance. A lady got out. Maltby gazed at her for a moment, specchless. It was his wife. Her astonishment was equally great. He drew her into the parlor. “How did you come here?” he gasped. “To get away from the whole fam- ily, from the neighbors, from bridge, from automobiles—and from you! I saw this place advertised as the only one left.” “Well, I did the same. well make the best of Two hours later, strolling out from the simple evening meal, they were suddenly, in the corridor, faced by a tall, nervous looking young man. “Walter!” exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Maltby in chorus, at their astonished son. “What on earth are you doing here?” Walter's face fell. “To rest—to get away from painted girls, cigarettes, automobiles, race- tracks, club bridge, bromidical talk, and, to be candid with you, dear par- ents—from you!” “So did we from you. rible!” Walter in reply grasped them both by the arms. “Dear father and mother,” he whis- pered, “it can't be helped. This being the only place left in America where We may as This is ter- “TRIFLES LIGHT AS AIR” Mrs. Gossamer: 32 SUIT, AND IE's GONE AWAY Miss Summerly: ING tired and overwrought people like our- selves can come to be sheltered from the horrible summer amusements, it was natural for us all to mect. But the worst is yet to come.” He led them hurriedly out to the office and indicated a stage that had just arrived and from which there was VM surpRisep! MAD OVER A LITTLE THI v THIS BATHING THE IDEA OF A MAN G LIKE THAT! alighting a familiar form owned by a tall lady with her back as yet turned. The faces of both parents blanched with fear. “Who is she? Can it be—? Walter lighted a cigarette. “The game's all up,” he replied non- chalantly. “It’s grandmother!” comicbooks.com