“The trouble with you fellows,” observed “The Century,” “is that you do not understand the really serious side of life.”
“How can we,” observed “The Metropolitan,” “for we have not, like you, a humorous department? We——”
There was a commotion. While these observations were going on “Munsey’s” and “Everybody’s” were having a dispute.
“I publish sillier stuff than you,” said “Munsey’s.”
“I defy you to prove it,” said “Everybody’s.”
“Let’s form a ring and have them fight it out,” suggested a rank outsider—“The Clipper.”
At this, however, there was a protest from one hitherto silent. A soft soprano voice spoke.
“Gentlemen,” it said, “would you fight in the presence of ladies?”
Whereupon the rest of the magazines took off their hats, and one by one lapsed into respectful silence, as THE LADIES’ HOME JOURNAL, arranging its skirts anew with gentle precision, passed out on its way to church.