The John T. McCutcheon Digital Exhibit
Illustrations: "The New Fable of What Transpires After the Wind-up"
Series of seven drawings illustrating “The New Fable of What Transpires After the Wind-up.” Written by George Ade and illustrated by John T. McCutcheon. Published in Cosmopolitan Magazine , April issue 1913.
George Ade's “The New Fable of What Transpires After the Wind-up” satirizes the multitude of seemingly frivolous preparations a couple must undergo leading up to their wedding. Ferdinand (“Ferdie”) and Adèle (“Addie”) are advised by friends and family about what to expect from the ceremony, from married life, and from having children when all the couple really desires is to revel in their love for one another. All too quickly, Ferdinand and Adèle suddenly find themselves married, or, as Ade puts it, “one and Unhookable.” The moral of the tale is that “too many Trained Nurses discommode Cupid.”
The Serpent, operating in the guise of a Lover in a Serge Suit, had lured, cajoled, wheedled, and finessed until the poor trembling Child, only twenty-four years of Age, was alone with him in what the Landscaper had worked off on her Papa as a Formal Garden. They stood clinched there in the dull Sunset Glow with a Pergola for a background
The Course of True Love ran smooth for a couple of Days
Just then a Dress-Maker swooped down and stole away the Light of his Life. Every time he went up to scratch on the Door and beg for a Kiss, a Strange Lady with Pins in her Mouth would come out and shoo him away, explaining that the Pearl of Womanhood was laid out in the Operating Room, being measured for something additional
The Rehearsals somewhat resembled the Moving Pictures of the Durbar at Delhi
As a final Preparation for the stupendous Pageant, the Groom sat up all night in the Chamber of Horrors, watching the Head-Liners of the Blue Book demolish Glassware
The Ambulance bore his Remains to the Church. A few faithful Hang-Overs lifted him through the Portals, with his Toes dragging somewhat in the Rear
He did not hear any of the Service, but those who were more fortunate told him afterward that it was a very Pretty Wedding, and that the Presents they got were Simply Great