"Don't you think we ought to tell her...?"

One of our local newspapers has a weekly feature called “One hundred years ago in Redlands”, with notable selections from its archives. Some are straightforward but revealing of the period, some are thought-provoking, others are tragic or simply saddening.

Among the best are items like this one from yesterday. Why can’t newspaper articles be written like this anymore? :)

From the Redlands Daily Facts:

MARCH 21 [1907]

That the application of the Golden Rule does not always pay is the conclusion that two local society matrons have come to after a harrowing experience a few days ago. They were walking down State street behind a handsomely dressed woman, who sailed along with the serene self-consciousness of a perfectly adjusted toilette, when one of our friends noticed that her skirt was not properly fastened in the back, and displayed an unexpected expanse of white petticoat.

She drew the attention of her companion to the fact and said: “Don’t you think we ought to tell her before anyone else notices it?” The other in rather a doubtful tone answered: “Yes; but she might not like to be told.” “But,” persisted number one, “shouldn’t you want to know if it were your case? I am sure I should take it as a personal kindness.” “Perhaps so,” assented number two, “but you must take the responsibility of speaking, for I fear that I am a moral coward.” “Well,” urged our tender-hearted little matron, who had first spoken, “I should feel that I had neglected a Christian duty if she should become the subject of unpleasant observation, and I will take my chances.”

So, as the object of their solicitude turned to go into a store, our little friend followed and gently tapping her on the shoulder said: “Excuse me, madam, but if you will allow me, I will fasten a hook in your skirt.” Judge, if you can, the feelings of that brave little woman, when the person addressed turned upon her with a haughty, icy glare and said in a deep contralto voice: “How dare you insult me in such a manner,” and sailed down the aisle with stately tread, leaving our two friends in a state of mental collapse and gasping for breath, feeling as if they had broken every commandment in the decalogue.