Life, 1916-12-28 · page 37 of 41
Life — December 28, 1916 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This allegorical story depicts "Lady Patience" seeking shelter but being rejected by various people obsessed with modern concerns. A man refuses her because he's anxious about a delayed automobile purchase; a woman won't help because she's waiting for a suitor; young people mock her; a scientist turns her away, consumed by his research into universal theory. Only an older, poor woman—who has suffered genuine loss (her absent son)—welcomes her with compassion and patience. The satire critiques early 20th-century materialism and shallow priorities: people prioritize consumer goods, romance, youth culture, and abstract ambition over human kindness. The moral is that true virtue comes from those who've endured real hardship and maintain faith despite it. The cartoon's title, "The Voice with the Smile," appears ironic—only the grieving mother smiles genuinely, suggesting authentic humanity emerges through suffering, not prosperity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
| To the Tropics - A Cruise American Express Travel Department Ascemnces UT A CRUISE TO THE WEST INDIES visiting Caba, Jamatea, Panama, Costa Rica 24 RESTFUL DAYS from Winter in the romantic American Tropi Under the excursions. American Flog. First Crotse: January 27th Second Crulse: March 10th $290 and upwards. Ask for Rooklet American Express Company 66 Broadway, New York City Philadelphia Boston" Chicago San Francisco St Louis “Cleveland” Los Angeles y s\ One Who Knew ADY PATIEN sought a night's lodging. She knocked at a door, and the man who came looked at her and said, abruptly: “You can’t come in here. I ordered a new auto last week. It hasn’t come, and it makes me fairly tremble with rage to look at you.” She passed out and knocked at an- A rather good-looking other door. woman came. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “I thought you might be the man I hope to marry No, thank you! I’m not entertaining strangers like you.” As Patience passed along, she was surrounded by a lot of young people, who hooted at her and reviled her. “We haven't any use for you!” they all shouted. At the door of a laboratory she knocked, and an old man with a skull cap and ferret eyes looked at her. “Can you put me up for the night “T cannot. For thirty years I have heen sceking for a new theory of the universe. It lies in there, locked up ina chemical formula. I expect to fird it to-night. Go!” es. | Numerous shore | “THE VOICE WITH THE SMILE” And so Patience passed out through the busy throng. But no one would entertain her; no one wanted to shelter her, She was very tired, but not without hope. Then a woman who had been watch- ing her for some time came up and said: LIFES that she was somewhat old and not over-prosperous, said : “How is it that you will keep me when all the others have beckoned me away? Have you no trouble?” “Yes,” said the woman, “ I have great trouble. My son has gone away and left me. He went away some time ago.” Then she added with a smile, as she 1205 took Lady Patience by the hand: “But [can wait, for I know that he will come back.” “T will take you in. Indeed, I feel that I need your company.” Patience, looking at her and seeing “We all know the world is moving, but how few of us understand the import of its moves” TREWORLDSWORK In order to become thoroughly conversant with important events it is necessary only to read the monthly issues of Tue Wortp’s Work. Here you will find authoritative information in clear, concise articles and editorials. Here is the quintessence of world news—the explanations es- sential to a clear understanding of modern human progress. PARTIAL CONTENTS FOR JANUARY, 1917 The Next Five Years of the Navy, by Rear-Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, U. S. N. This is the first of four articles by Admiral Fiske on the problems presented by a larger navy. The Quick and the Dead on the Mexican Border, by George Marvin A balance sheet of the American and Mexican lives sacrificed on the Mexican frontier. Paying Off the Mortgage on the U.S.A. The first of two articles by Albert W. Atwood We have bought back enormous quantities of our foreign-owned bonds, and have become a creditor nation. Japan’s Acts in China, by Jeremiah W. Jenks This article complements “China, America’s Silent Partner,” which appeared in the December number, and explains the effect of Japan's forcign policy on the United States and China. James J. Hill’s Rules of Business Success Here is an article made up largely of extracts from personal letters, and notes from the unpublished biography of the Empire Builder, giving a clear insight into the business principles that governed the greatest railroad genius. The Feet of the Fighting Men What the Army has learned about sensible footwear, and some lessons for the civilian. How Should a Lawyer Behave? The second of Burton J. Hendrick’s articles on professional ethics. “How Shou!d a Doctor Behave?” appeared in the December number. Sleep for the Sleepless — New light on the subject of insomnia Hiram W. Johnson The most outstanding figure of the West, and how he affected the Presidential election. Use the coupon to take ad- vantage of the special short term offer. Five months for one dollar. Doubleday, Page & Company Garden City, N. Y. $3.00 a year The World's Work Garden City, New York Gentlemen: I enclose $1.00 for which please send me the next five numbers of Tue Worip's Worx. 25 cents a copy comicbooks.com