Life, 1914-02-12 · page 39 of 44
Life — February 12, 1914 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes romantic idealism and principles versus practical reality. The main narrative (left side) depicts a couple who break their engagement to preserve their "high moral principles"—each claiming they cannot compromise their principles despite loving each other. Their dialogue is deliberately overwrought and self-righteous. The punchline arrives two years later at Baden-Baden: they've both married wealthy partners (a nobleman and a Kansas gold-mine heiress) and encounter each other again. When the woman asks if they've "fulfilled our destinies," the satire is complete—their grand principled sacrifice meant nothing. They obtained exactly what they claimed to reject: wealth and advantageous marriages. The humor targets the hypocrisy of using "principle" as an excuse for selfish desires, particularly among the leisure class. The woman's dowdy appearance contrasts with her newfound wealth, emphasizing how quickly circumstances changed. The page also contains a Pantasote auto-top material advertisement and unrelated brief comedic exchanges at the bottom.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
do not care for anything now. If, therefore, I permit you to have every- thing and we make a grand display, it will look as though I were departing from my principles, and you know that no American girl with a reputation like mine can afford to depart from her high moral principles, even though the lasting happiness of two people is con- cerned.” | The head stenographer grew thought- ful. “Please understand, darling,” he re- plied, “that it is not for myself that I ask this. I can still go on beating my heart out in the subway if neces- sary instead of sitting behind a torpedo body. It isn’t for my own selfish pleas- ure that I insist upon all of these things, but only as a matter of prin- ciple. My manhood must be requited.” “I understand perfectly. It is the same with me. I am contending for a principle. We are both high-minded and slaves to our innermost convic- tions.” “Then there is nothing else to do—” “But for us to part.” She held out her hand. “But at least,” she said, “we shall continue to be friends?” “Yes,” he said, haughtily. eeees Two years sped by. It was at Baden- Baden that they met at last. He recog- nized her at once by her dowdy frock. For the new bound volume of Lire for 1913 which is now ready. Of course, you don’t want the loose copies scattered all over the house, where they are likely to be read by irresponsible people. You want them permanently confined in a handsome binding for your library shelf. $4, or $2 if you return the copies. Drop us a line for full particulars. We do the rest. Lire, 17 West 31, New York City. The Qualities | want in a Top material I can get only in I want a good looking material. “I want a material that looks well after long service—as well as when new. “T want a top material that won't FADE or become shabby. “One that is water-proof and remains water-proof. “One that won't crack, peel off or chip off. “A material unaffected by sunlight or temperature changes or grease. “T want a material that can be easily washed clean with soap and water. “And lastly, I want to know that the material is made and backed by a company of long standing and reputation.” These qualities and this satisfaction you DO get in Pantosots Write today for “What’s What in Top_Materials” This book has invaluable information for the motorist. It rips open and dissects all kinds of Top mate: 1s—Pontacots included. Write for it today and we will send it without cost. THE PANTASOTE COMPANY, 1&1 Saying Groen Building Look for this label on your Top—farnished free Pontocote makers with every yard of es “T hear you married,” he whispered, leaning over her. “Yes, A nobleman, Papa has spent million dollars on his castle. But II remain the same, You are also married, I believe?” “Yes, I married a Kansas girl with a large and growing set of gold mines. I have everything I want.” Then she smiled up at him: “You see, we were both right. For have we not both of us fulfilled our destinies?” Maup: Why would you rather be called “ spinster” than “old maid”? Beatrix: Spinster sounds more as though it were voluntary, HE ROUTE TO PARNASSUS comicbooks.com