Life, 1919-10-16 · page 10 of 36
Life — October 16, 1919 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a satirical short story about marriage and women's autonomy. The narrative mocks Victorian-era anxieties about wives' independence by depicting a conversation between Abigail and her father-in-law, Mr. Gaswell, who challenges her right to guard her own happiness and asks about her income. The accompanying illustration shows a woman with wings (appearing angelic or idealized) among classical columns, while the lower cartoon depicts a used-car lot—likely satirizing the commodification of women in marriage, equating wives to consumer goods being "shopped for." The story's resolution suggests critique of traditional male authority: Abigail confidently asserts her right to marry for love, and Mr. Gaswell ultimately accepts this modern view, acknowledging that "Men and women cannot be governed by the same standards."
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
When a Young Maid Marries BIGAIL that in a young girl's life when asked of his hand of the man she loves, Judicious- ly, Mrs. Gaswell regarded rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, and with her cigar at a contemplative angle. In his corner, Mr. Gaswell had paused in his knitting swer with “ Ahem!" said the head of the house finally, “you have spoken boldly, Abi- gail, as becomes a young girl. But it is not thus that one intrusts a son's into a keeping. Are you able to guard this treasure, to stand between him and a cruel world? What is the income from your law practic Abi slightly. “At present | make but three thou- sand dollars yearly, but with the new year, Mrs. Bellows, the head of the firm, has promised to admit me to a junior partnership. Understand, Mrs Gaswell,” she added proudly, “I am marrying John, not for what his family can do for him, but for himself alone. Mrs. Gaswell looked her approval. “One more question and I am satis- fied, Abigail. My dear,” and she turned to her husband, “do you think you had better remain?” “I—I- he m “Very well,” said his wife, yielding u reluctant permission. “I am old- fashioned cnough to think there are some subjects a man should remain ignorant of. Abigail, what has been your past?” The young girl met the question in a maidenly manner ad come to ful moment she has mother the her, awaiting his wife’s an- ated breath. happiness woman's ’ stammered Mr. Gaswell, but ade no move to leave. “T have been like others of my sex, Mrs. and although there are things I would gladly forzet, yet 1 can honestly say there is nothing to prevent my marry- ing your son—as the world views these swell, careless, pleasure-loving, things. “You have given me a straightfor- ward Abigail, and I thank you. Men and women cannot be gov- erned by the same standards. answer, My dear, * coopness! IT’S MRS, SMITH-jJONES! SHE WAS ALWAYS BREAKID SOMEWHERE | will you request John to step here With alacrity Mr. swell hastened to the door and opened it. “John!” A moment, and a young man of nine- teen tastefully dressed, appeared on the threshold. Timidly, questioningly, he looked from his mother to his sweetheart. “Mother!” summers, simply yet With a sob he threw himself on her breast. Fake him, he is yours,” and Mrs. Gaswell led the shrinking youth toward Abig eager outstretched arms, Turning, she blew her nose loudly to hide her emotion. And in his corner, Mr. Gaswell’s tears were falling silent- ly on his knitting. W.W. W. IF WISHES WERE AUTOS comicbooks.comy