Title: | The Gibson Book, Vol II |
Collections of Published Works of Charles Dana Gibson |
CONTENTS: (In certain versions of this etext [in certain browsers] clicking on the image will bring up a larger version.) (etext transcriber's note) |
A COLLECTION OF THE PUBLISHED WORKS OF
CHARLES DANA GIBSON
IN TWO VOLUMES
Vol. II
NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS
R. H. RUSSELL
1906
Acknowledgment is here made to Messrs. Harper & Brothers (the publishers of seven of Mr. Gibson’s books), by special arrangement with whom this work is made possible.
Copyright, 1894, by R. H. Russell & Son.
Copyright, 1894, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, by Robert Howard Russell.
Copyright, 1897, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, by Charles Scribner’s Sons.
A QUIET DINNER WITH DR. BOTTLES; AFTER WHICH HE READS {14}ALOUD MISS BABBLES’S LATEST WORK.
SOME THINK THAT SHE HAS REMAINED IN RETIREMENT TOO LONG. {17}OTHERS ARE SURPRISED THAT SHE IS ABOUT SO SOON.
MRS. DIGGS IS ALARMED AT DISCOVERING WHAT SHE IMAGINES TO BE A SNAKE THAT THREATENS THE SAFETY OF HER ONLY CHILD. MR. DIGGS DOES {20}NOT SHARE HIS WIFE’S ANXIETY.
SHE LONGS FOR SECLUSION AND DECIDES TO LEAVE TOWN FOR A MILDER CLIMATE. WHILE PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY SHE COMES ACROSS SOME {22}OLD THINGS THAT RECALL OTHER DAYS.
FAILING TO FIND REST AND QUIET IN THE COUNTRY, SHE {27}DECIDES TO RETURN HOME.
MISS BABBLES BRINGS A COPY OF A MORNING PAPER, AND EXPRESSES HER INDIGNATION AND SYMPATHY OVER A SCURRILOUS ARTICLE. MEANWHILE OTHER FRIENDS ARE CALLING UPON THE EDITOR.
SHE GOES TO THE FANCY DRESS BALL AS “JULIET.{36}”
SURE TO BE.
She: I AM SO ANXIOUS TO HAVE THESE THEATRICALS A SUCCESS. IF THE MEMBERS ARE ONLY ENTHUSIASTIC, IT WILL BE.
He: HAVE NO FEAR. EVERY MAN IN IT IS TO MAKE LOVE TO ANOTHER MAN’S WIFE.
LES FIANCÉS.
She: WE ARE TOO POOR TO MARRY.
“BUT I AM WORTH A MILLION, BAH JOVE!”
“TRUE. BUT IF YOU WERE WORTH TWO MILLIONS, WE WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER OFF THAN THOSE WHO HAVE ONLY ONE.{43}”
She: I SOMETIMES WONDER WHETHER ALL THOSE THINGS YOU SAID TO ME WERE TRUE.
“WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? WE BOTH BELIEVED THEM.{45}”
A WARNING TO WIVES.
MRS. BOUNDERS KEPT HER HUSBAND UP LATE ONCE TOO OFTEN.
HE IS NOW TAKING HIS EASE IN A SANITARIUM.
“THEY SAY MISS CLINKER HAS SO MUCH MONEY SHE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT.”
“ISN’T SHE CHARITABLE?”
“NO, SHE REFUSED ME.”
She: YOU ARE SO AWKWARD IN YOUR LOVE-MAKING THAT SOMETIMES I AM SUSPICIOUS.
“OF WHAT?”
“THAT YOU MAY BE SINCERE.”
A DISPOSITION.
He: YOU’LL HAVE TO GO A LONG WAY BEFORE YOU WILL MEET ANYONE WHO LOVES YOU MORE THAN I.
She: WELL, I’M WILLING TO.
“OH HE’S HORRID! I CAN’T BEAR TO LOOK AT HIM.”
“BUT SOMETHING MIGHT BE MADE OF HIM.”
“NO, HE LISTENS WITH HIS MOUTH.{54}”
Mr. Meeker doesn’t object so much to his wife’s entertainments as he does to the way she uses his room for the gentlemen’s things.
HIS REVENGE.
Time: Any morning at 4:15.
Mr. Meeker, having been kept up late for the last twenty years and rebuked for his lack of interest, develops a sudden enthusiasm. Mrs. Meeker and the girls now do the waiting.
THE MAIN OBJECT.
He: WOULD YOU MIND IF I JOINED ANOTHER CLUB?
“OH, NO, DEAR! WILL IT KEEP YOU AWAY FROM HOME ANY MORE?”
THE SONG OF THE DEBUTANTE.
“Mother, dear Mother, come home with me now.{69}”
THE HEIRESS.
Mr. Grubbs walks in his sleep and appears for the first and only time at an entertainment in his own house.
WHY NOT
have plate glass fronts to the opera boxes? The occupants could still be seen, but not heard.
THE NEXT MORNING.
Mrs. Innittor Dedd’s maid reads: “Among those present was Mrs. Innittor Dedd, whose lovely face and splendid figure were enhanced by a tiara of diamonds and three ropes of pearls. She wore her famous rubies and was even more regal than at the Bullyon’s ball the night before,” etc., etc.
MODERN CELEBRITIES.
An interesting discussion between the author of “The Barenness of Unkissed Kisses” and a famous dramatist.
WASTED ENERGY.
Professor Bung: A beauty? Well, perhaps she is.
Mr. Rattles: Why, man, haven’t you noticed the divine way she smiles?
“Oh, I’m not altogether unobservant. I have made a calculation, in fact, that the energy expended on her smiles, if scientifically applied, would run an automobile.”
She: You don’t know what it is to love.
“I don’t, eh? Haven’t I been to every play, read every popular novel in the last six months, got into debt hopelessly, had my appendix removed, and all for your sake?{79}”
A CROOKED TALE.
He: You promised to be my pupil and learn to love me.
“But it makes such a difference when your heart isn’t in your work.”
WHERE IGNORANCE, ETC.
“Where do you go on your wedding trip?”
“That’s what I’ve been wondering.{95}”
Mrs. Katcham prides herself on always having the latest celebrity at her house. To-night it is no less a personage than “Gouger.”
STUDY IN EXPRESSION.
While the hostess whispers to Jones, “Remember, now, we are counting on you to make us laugh.”
THE HALF ORPHAN.
“Mamma will be down in a minute.{111}”
“UNLUCKY AT CARDS, LUCKY IN LOVE.{112}”
THE WEAKER SEX.—I.
The first drawing of this series gives a necessarily imperfect portrait of the hero, since he is discovered in the act of carrying on two conversations at a time.
THE WEAKER SEX.—II.
The second drawing gives us no better portrait of the hero than the first. We may conjecture, however, that, being a bachelor, the experience depicted in the first drawing has impaired the young man’s sleep. He probably imagines himself the latest victim of some fair entomologist.
THE WEAKER SEX.—III.
In the third drawing of this series we get a portrait of the hero. But he is again in a distressing dilemma. Just as he is advised by his physician to avoid all excitement, a young person enters and he develops further alarming symptoms, whereupon an immediate change of scene is prescribed.
THE WEAKER SEX.—IV.
In pursuance of the advice of his physicians, our hero starts on his journey in search of rest, but at the very outset finds himself confronted by another distressing circumstance: his seat in the parlor car is next to Miss Peachem, for whom he has always had the most profound regard.
THE WEAKER SEX.—V.
Arriving at his journey’s end, he meets an old friend who insists on taking him home and introducing him to his daughters.
THE WEAKER SEX.—VI.
After a vain search for rest and quiet, he falls into a most sensitive condition and suffers from the cold.
THE WEAKER SEX.—VII.
He takes a hand at bridge and has difficulty in keeping his mind on the game, with the result that he repeatedly trumps his partner’s tricks.
THE WEAKER SEX.—VIII.
He goes to the play, but finds it impossible to become interested in the piece.
THE WEAKER SEX.—X.
Having determined to settle down, we leave him in the act of deciding upon an object for affection.
Miss Boston: “Ah yes: your verses are charming. And have you never written a novel?”
Miss New York: “No: for if I did my mother would never let me read it.”
Actress: “I want you to mention the fact of my diamonds being stolen.”
“When did it happen?”
“Next week.{133}”
“Both those lords are after her, and she doesn’t know which to accept.”
“Isn’t one as good as the other?”
“Yes, but she can’t tell in advance which is the cheaper.{137}”
She: “I know that you must have made love before to some other girl.”
“But I had you in mind all the time.”
A HAPPY FACULTY.
Young Tutter (to Hostess): “I have had a very pleasant evening. But then I always manage to enjoy myself, no matter where I am.{139}”
HE: “AND SO YOU WON’T LET ME BE YOURS.{143}”
KIND OF FUNNY, AFTER ALL.
“It’s no laughing matter to be rejected by a million dollars!”
“Well, I don’t know. You see, old man, she’s just accepted me.”
“My uncle died yesterday sir, and I want you to officiate. Can you say something nice about him?”
“But I didn’t know him.”
“Good! You’re just the man.{147}”
PORTRAIT OF THE GENTLEMAN WHO WAS UNWILLING TO ATTEND A FANCY DRESS BALL UNTIL HE SAW HIMSELF IN COSTUME.
“HALF MOURNING.{154}”
A DISCREET APPROACH.
“Advise me, uncle jack.”
“Of course; what is it?”
“Shall I ask you for twenty-five dollars, or for fifty?”
A LAST REMEMBRANCE.
Ethel (ecstatically): “Oh, Charlie, would you just as leave propose all over again, and do it into this phonograph?”
Cholly: “Why?”
Ethel: “Why, I want to have something to remember you by after you have gone in and spoken to papa about it.{155}”
Ferguson (the politest man in New York): “When you go back, Nora, please ask the cook if there is any cold meat in the house.” (Exit Nora.)
To the company: “I beg you to excuse our maid. These accidents happen to her somewhat overfrequently. She was bred, I believe, a dairymaid, but had to leave that employment because of her inability to handle the cows without breaking off their horns.{159}”
ADVICE TO NOBLEMEN.
When speaking to your fiancée’s father assume an easy posture and adopt a friendly manner.
THE BROKER RINGS UP HIS GIRL.
“Hello! Hello! Big strike in Consolidated Catamount—can marry—want three days’ option hand and heart.”
She: Will give refusal.
MR. WIGGS RENTS A COTTAGE FOR THE SUMMER.
“All the comforts of home.{183}”
“TWO STRIKES AND THE BASES FULL.{186}”
AT THE DRESSMAKER’S.
“Stout? Oh, dear, no!!!{191}”
A RESOLVE.
Cousin Kate: “Now that you are well off, Charlie, you mustn’t let them say of you, ‘A fool and his money are soon parted.’”
Cousin Charles: “No, you bet I won’t. I’ll show them that I am an exception to the rule.{195}”
THE MENTION OF MR. TAGG’S NAME IN THE SOCIAL COLUMN ATTRACTS SOME GENTLEMEN OF THE PRESS.
Mr. Tagg gracefully submits to an interview.
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE HIS FIGURE, MR. TAGG BECOMES A PATRON OF THE MANLY ART.
Assisted by his instructor, “Patsy, the Pugg,” he demonstrates to some titled foreigners the fine points of the game.
HIS ONLY OPPORTUNITY.
Mr. Tagg, as host, wishes to become permanently identified with certain important people of fashion.
IN DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES.
Mr. Tagg is fascinated by Washington society and decides to go into politics. He enjoys a vision of himself at the Court of St. James.
POSTPONING THE INHERITANCE.
Miss Tagg explained the game to her uncle, who is greatly improved by the exercise.
HAVING TAKEN ALL THE NECESSARY LEGAL STEPS, MR. TAGG IS GREATLY MORTIFIED AT HIS DAUGHTER’S REFUSAL TO MARRY A NOBLEMAN.
Old Moneybags: “Can you sit up with my daughter every night and still do your regular business, sir?”
“But that’s my regular business.{214}”
The Father: “Young man, do you realize that your college career has cost me ten thousand dollars?”
“Well, Governor, it was worth it.”
A CAREFUL DAUGHTER.
“No, mother, this book is not at all fit for you to see.” “But you are reading it!” “Ah, but we were brought up so differently.{218}”
“Are your intentions toward the widow serious?”
“Oh, very. I am going, if possible, to get out of marrying her.{219}”
He: “Shall we talk or dance?”
“I’m so tired. Let’s dance.{221}”
Millionaire: “How do I known, sir, that you have any business ability?”
“I have persuaded your daughter to marry me.{222}”
IN ONE OF OUR MOST RESPECTABLE CLUBS, THE MORNING AFTER THE BIG FIGHT.
A description of the event by an eye-witness.
CHANGED.
Mr. Eubeedee: “Yes, I’ve changed a good deal since then, Mrs. Jones.”
“And for the better, I trust.”
“They used to call me a Wild Youth, you remember; but now—— ”
“Now?”
“Now they call me an Old Reprobate.{227}”
NO USE.
“Don’t you think it would be a good idea to send our beloved pastor abroad?”
“But he wouldn’t stay.{228}”
He: “I hope the fact that I’ve led a gay life and been out nights a great deal won’t make any difference.”
“Indeed it does. If I accepted you, you might REFORM.{229}”
Mr.: “The cook has agreed to stay.”
Mrs.: “How did you manage it?”
“I told her it would be cowardly to leave me alone.{235}”
Skinflint: “If anything should happen to me, you will be all right. I’ve just insured my life.”
“But suppose nothing does happen to you?{236}”
A DISTINCTION.
He: “Yes, I remembered you at once as the girl I was engaged to in the mountains some seasons ago.”
“What a remarkable memory for faces you have, haven’t you?”
“No—for rings.{237}”
“You have been very successful with the girls—what is your rule in making love to one?”
“I have no set rule. I merely try, with all the power there is in me, to make as big an ass of myself as possible.{239}”
IN THE COUNTRY.
Gabberley: “Since I bought my place here, property in the neighborhood has depreciated terribly.”
“That’s natural.”
“My wife, tells me, sir, that you have been making love to her.”
“That’s just like a woman, to discuss our private affairs. It will be in the papers next.{245}”
HIS FORTUNE.
“You are going on a long, long journey.{251}”
“LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.{255}”
THE AGITATOR
“Who is it’s brought us here, I ask you? Who’s a-grindin’ us under the iron heel o’ despotism? I say to you the time has come, when—— ”
“FANNED OUT{262}”
“Will you tell my past for two dollars?”
“No, madam, not your past. You will have to hire me by the day.{268}”
“KEEP STILL, PLEASE{273}”
LIFE’S VAUDEVILLE
See Elderly Bachelor in His Great Double Role, More Particular and Less Desirable in “Choosing a Wife”
“Young man, have you been trying to kiss my daughter?”
“No, sir! I’ve been trying not to.{286}”
WITHOUT RESERVE
“Is your husband very confidential with you?”
“Very! He tells me everything he suspects I’ve found out about him.{289}”
“I hear, sir, that Freddy is working as a clerk in your brokerage office?”
“Yes. I want him to learn enough about the business to let it alone after I die.{291}”
“Is it expensive sending your girls to college?”
“I should say so! My wife takes advantage of their absence to dress about twenty years younger than she really is.{296}”
CURRENT LITERATURE
“I said, my daughter had been indulgently brought up, and was used to luxury, and I could not consent to her becoming the wife of a literary man. And he said, Damme, his last book had sold a million copies and brought him in over three hundred thousand dollars! What’s a man to do a case like that? He’s got more books making, he says. I shall have to let the foolish girl throw herself away on him, if she wants to.{297}”
“I see that Professor Gigham, the celebrated all-around scientist, is going to marry that college girl.”
“What’s that for?”
“He wants to complete his education.{303}”
Grandfather: “Say, Willie, don’t you want to go through a toy shop with me this afternoon and see all the pretty things?”
“I’m willing to, pop, if you will get any pleasure out of it.”
LIFE’S VAUDEVILLE
“I’ll be a sister to you{307}”
“Did you kiss the bride?”
“No, I’m going to wait until they come back from their honeymoon and get settled down.{309}”
SUGGESTION
Wife: The ice doesn’t look very strong does it?
Perhaps you’d better try it; you know you weigh more than I do.
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