The Strand Magazine, Vol. 01, No. 05, May 1891: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
General
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 01, No. 05, May 1891: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
A group of chattering Chinamen soon appear in front of the
photographer's shop, with the late customer in the midst explaining how
the trick is done. It seems to be finally resolved that they should
go in one at a time, the others waiting outside. One young member of
the party accordingly steps forward, and the tout, delighted to find
the bait has so soon taken, never considers the possibility that this
customer likewise has no money.
The same scene is enacted as in the previous case, but when it comes
to the point of paying for the photo, and John Chinaman is found to
be absolutely penniless, there is an unrehearsed ending to the little
comedy. The proprietor of the photographic establishment seizes the
Chinaman by the collar and drags him into the front shop, where the
tout, in instant comprehension of the state of affairs, takes the
offender in hand and very neatly kicks him over the doorstep, whence
he falls into the midst of his compatriots, who all take to their
heels, screaming in a high-pitched key. The tout looks at their rapidly
retreating figures with a countenance eloquently expressive of mingled
sorrow and anger, vowing vengeance on any other of "them haythen
Chaynees" who might choose to try the game of securing photos for
nothing. "Ought to be all jolly well drownded in the river," he remarks
to his colleague indoors.
[Illustration: "KICKED OUT."]
On the other hand, the heavy-browed, gaunt-cheeked, male Teuton is not
so easy to attract, but the photographer can trust the course of things
to bring him eventually to the studio. When first imported he stares in
at the window in a stolid, indifferent manner. His face has a hungry
look, and is shadowed by a heavily slouched hat; his hair is unkempt;
he wears an untidy and unclean scarf; his boots are big and heavy, and
his trousers several inches too short for him.
[Illustration: A TEUTON.]
[Illustration: SOME FOREIGN IMMIGRANTS.]
[Illustration: AN ORIENTAL.]
In a short time, however, he will blossom forth into a billycock hat,
with broad and curly brim of the most approved East-end cut; patent
leather boots to match, and a very loud red tie. The hungry look has
by this time given way to a sleek, well-fed nature, and he will stroll
along with a Teuton sweetheart, likewise transformed very much from
her former self. The short, gaudily-striped dress has given way to
the latest "'krect thing" in East-end fashion, and the green stuff
umbrella has gone the way of the striped skirt, to be replaced by the
latest novelty in "husband beaters." Then it is that the Teutonic 'Arry
and 'Arriet patronise the photographer, and rejoice his heart with,
perhaps, a five-shilling order.
The show-case of the East-end photographer gives one a very fair idea
of the evolution of the foreign immigrant.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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