Life, 1913-08-28 · page 32 of 40
Life — August 28, 1913 — page 32: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical anecdotes and advertisements typical of early 20th-century Life magazine humor. **"Nothing Serious"** mocks mercenary marriages by contrasting a marquis's concern about his wife's father's health with his relief upon learning it's merely *physical* decline—implying the father's wealth remains intact. The joke targets marriages of convenience where monetary considerations override genuine affection. **"A Chance"** briefly suggests reducing unnecessary noise (cheers at events). **"Perplexing"** shows a figure confused about swimming safety rules, a simple observational gag. The page also includes anecdotes about advertising's appeal and a Black janitor's reluctance to ride in a car—the latter reflecting period racial attitudes through dialect humor. The advertisements promote detective fiction and books, typical of Life's commercial content. This was a magazine balancing light satire with commercial interests, aimed at educated middle-class readers who appreciated wordplay and social observation over visual comedy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Noi Serious Clarence H. Mackay, apropos of an international marriage of the purely mer- cenary sort, said: “This reminds me of a Duluth girl who wedded a marquis. “‘Alphonse,' the girl asked onc even- ing, ‘why have you been so strange and cold of late?’ “The marquis scowled and said: “Didn't you tell me last weck that your father was failing?’ “*Yes—physically failing,’ she re- plied, “*Oh!' said the marquis, and his look brightened. He heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘that's all right, then! I thought it was something scrious.’"—St. Louis Globe-Democrat. A Chance The society for the prevention of use- less noises might make a start by re- ducing the number of cheers from thre- Atchison Globe. PERPLEXING “HEAVENS! AND THE DOCTOR TOLD ME NEVER TO GO INTO THE WATER WHEN I WAS OVERIIEATED!”” The Attraction Advertising is such an art, says @ publicity expert in the Washington Star, that many people actually buy periodicals as much for the advertisements as for the reading matter. I sat in an editor's office the other day when a poet entered. “Glad to see you've accepted that sonnet of mine,” the poet said, feverishly pushing back his long hair. “I hope it will be widely read.” “It's sure to b sure to be. I’ of our most si —Youth's Companion. id the editor. “It’s it next to one A young Clevelander who is always generous with his touring car offered to take the old colored janitor of the apart- ment in which he resides downtown the other day. “No, suh, boss—no, sub, thank you, suh,” grinned the ancient functionary, “I reckon I'll wait and go on de street cyah.” “What's the matter, uncle? Are you afraid?” “No, suh—me afraid? No, suh. I got to wait.” “Unele, have you ever been in an automobile?” “Nevah but oncet, an’ den I didn't Ict all ma weight down! "—Argonaut, Canada and British v accompanied Ay stamped and addressed envelope. LARK dock mot return ef wnsoticited Contribution! Read “The Womanin Black” Not only “ the best detective story of the century,” but “‘one of the best detective stories ever written.” Published by THE CENTURY CO. At all becksellers Price $1.25 net, postage 11 cents LIFE is for sate by afl arwsteaters in Great Bettala and may be obtained from booksellers in all the petacipal circa of the world, The toreiga trade seppiied irom Livir's London Osice, Cannon House, Brean Boishess, Usetsa, FC The text and iinstrations tw LAwe are copyrighted, For Reprint Rights tn Great Britain appy to 1 AI Southampton Row, Lenton, I. C. Mee Lave, Prompe motifcation thontd be tent by subscribers of any change of address, Smoked Cigars You will not be disappointed in her after reading this snappy little story by Rupert Hughes. A delightsul hour’s reading. Fifty cents per volume Life Publishing Company 17 West 31st Street New York comicbooks.com