Life, 1915-05-06 · page 45 of 56
Life — May 6, 1915 — page 45: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This short story excerpt satirizes overwrought romantic sentimentality. A man and woman debate what pet name to call each other, with him proposing increasingly elaborate terms ("queen," "my queen") while she critiques each for being either too common, too formal, or insufficiently passionate. The satire peaks when he dramatically laments that language itself is inadequate to express their love—to which she delivers the punchline: everyone in love faces this same problem, but most people don't waste time *discussing* it endlessly. The joke targets the self-indulgent verbosity of romantic discourse, particularly among educated couples who mistake philosophical overthinking for genuine emotion. The title "An Ancient Régime" suggests this type of affected courtship is outdated pretension. The page is otherwise filled with period advertisements (Listerine, cruise ships to the Panama Canal and Caribbean).
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ale 821 4 on LISTERINE After brushing the teeth the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with diluted Listerine. Listerine cleanses those surfaces of the teeth which the brush cannot reach. It keeps the mouth and gums in a healthy condition, and retards decay. tiseptic for daily Tt is unsurpassed tin dreseiaa Sor cots, wounds and irr- cen used throughout the civilized world for 3 year distribution exceeds that of any product. Avoid Imitations Be sure you get the genuine Listerine in the brown paper package containing the round bottle with our name blown inthe glass. All druggists sell Listerine, Four sizes: 15c—25c—S0c—$1.00 Made and Owned in America Lambert Pharmacal Company Laboratories: St. Louis Toronto An Ancient Régime E leaned over her raptly, as they sat alone in the dusk of the evening. “T want to know what name I shall call you,” he whispered. I'm one of those methodical and artistic peo- ¢ the right note beforehand. What do you say to Birdie?” “Birdie is very nice, dear,” she re- plied, “but somehow you mustn’t think me too particular, will you—does Birdie ring quite true?” “No, it doesn’t. It’s too much used hy middle-aged people who have just gotten married. Let's see—darling, sweetheart, pet, tootsie wootsie, lovey dovey, queen—my queen! How's that?” “Isn't that rather too stately? I hope you won't think me too partic- ular—but is there enough abandon about—my queen? Tootsie wootsie, on the other hand, is too soft; darling is used by so many; sweetheart, of course, is always good, but——” “T know, I know—” He folded her swiftly in his arms. “Alas!” he muttered, “how feeble are these poor words to express the ple who always like to s UNITED passionate craving of my whole being. To think that the greatest love the world has ever seen, expressed toward the loveliest, the fairest, the most heav- enly, entrancing and beautiful of all earth’s lovely creatures should have to depend upon commonplace words which have previously been used by millions!” She momentarily took her beautiful head from his shoulder and her limpid eyes sought his. “ That's true, George,” she said. “ But at least there’s one consolation. We are not the only ones. Every one of those millions to whom you so pas- sionately refer has had the same thing to contend with. But they are not all wasting so much time discussing it as we are.” RPHAN—Experimental matter for doctors and charity workers. You'll enjoy the California Expositions after visiting the places that made the expositions possible. Visit HAVANA, SANTIAGO DE CUBA, JAMAICA, THE PANAMA CANAL, sail o’er the blue Caribbean to the shores made famous by Columbus, Balboa, DeSoto. Magnificent White Ships built especially for Tropical travel sail from New York every Wednesday and Saturday and fortnightly on on Thursdays, calling at Havana and Colon, Isthmus of Panama, and connecting with Great White Fleet Ships bound for New Orleans, where rail connections can be easily made for San Francisco or San Diego. These cruises can also be made in the oppo- site direction, starting from New Orleans and ending at New York. Write for Booklets and special tours circular to OFFICES FOR INFORMATION 202 Washington St., Boston; 630 Common St., New Orlea 1955 Coativestal and Commercial Bank Bailding, Chic any ticket or tourist ageat ; or write to UNITED FRUIT COMPANY Passenger Dept. 17 Battery Place New York City Sailing Under the American Flag FRUIT COMPANY STEAMSHIP SERVICE comicbooks.com