Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 218, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 September 1915 — Tragedy of Today [ARTICLE]

Tragedy of Today

(In one act —which Is plenty.) The' cast-—Mazie McMjwh; her father, Wellington McMush, a man of rough exterior, though smooth; Hector Hangback, the village hasbeen. Scene —A room in the McMush dwelling. Costly tapestries and rugs and a thousand-dollar bulldog testify to the refinement of the home. Time —The shades of night are falling loudly. Father has sent for Mazie. She enters fox trotting. Father (abruptly)—“What’s this I hear about your being engaged?" Mazie (puzzled at first, but her face lighting)—“Oh, yes. I knew there was something I wanted to tell you and mother. That’s it—l’m engaged.” (The wind sighs outside. The dog sighs inside. It looks like snow.) Father (controlling his anger)— "Well, what is it I am expected to support? To what, may I ask, are you engaged? Who is the candidate for board and room in this home which, the contractor said, would cost |IO,OOO, and which cost $25,000 before he finished It?” Mazie —"Why, it’s name is Hector Hangback.”

Father (angrily)—“What, you marry that man? I’d rather see you dead or in the movies.” (The clock in the city hall strikes three. It is eight o’clock.) Mazie (weeping)—“But, father.” Father —“It’s no use. Go into reverse. Here we are—a family that has owned a six ever since they came out. You were born with a sevenpassenger touring car in your mouth, you might say. And you exect me to stand for an alliance with a man who drives a four roadster made in 1912! It cannot were! I’ll wager he’s never made more than eighty miles an hour on Main street in his life.” Mazie —“He’s been arrested twice for reckiss driving, so there.” Father—“He probably ran into a horse. Anybody can do that. We, who have always owned a six—or did until the last repair bill came inunite with such a family? No!"

Mazie —"Nevertheless, I shall marry him. And, anyway, he’s figuring on having a new car." Father —"Yes, because he has seen me looking over an eight—that’s the way he figures on having a new car.” ■ Mazie —"I don’t care. I’m going to marry him.” 1 r ” (Outside it is snowing rapidly.) Father—“ Then out you go.” (He opens the door.) Mazie—“But it’s snowing, father." Father —“Then put on your tire chains if you don’t want to skid.” (Mazie loaves.) Father—“ And -don’t you ever dare to darken the door of my garage again."