The Wasp, 1913 · page 106 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 106: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page depicts a genteel social confrontation between two men of unequal standing. Young Mr. Stanton, apparently an ensign (military officer) of some rank, is shocked and embarrassed to encounter James Burnham, an older man he knew during Burnham's "humiliating sojourn in Swan Alley"—suggesting Burnham had fallen into poverty or disrepute in that poor London neighborhood. Burnham, now apparently restored to respectability (claiming Berkshire residence), coolly humiliates Stanton in return by feigning forgetfulness of their acquaintance, implying it was too insignificant to remember. The satire targets social pretension and class anxiety: Stanton's mortification reveals how status-conscious society was, while Burnham's dignified deflection suggests that true gentility transcends temporary misfortune. The punch recipe detail emphasizes refined hospitality contrasting with the social awkwardness.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP 103 sisted in the duties of hospitality with a calm face and veiled eye. Close at his heels followed a black servant armed with cool drinks. He came at last to young Mr. Stanton, halted, and bowed low. “Let me offer you a glass of this punch, sir,” he said. “Rum, a dash of orange bitters, sugar, spring water, and a slice of green lime. Very good, I as- sure you. Cools the blood, quenches the thirst, and at the same time pleases the palate.” Stanton’s checks flamed and he flared insolently.: “Mr. James Burnham, of Swan Alley, as I live!” he drawled. “Say, rather, of Burnham in Berkshire,” re- turned the older man softly. “But if I have the honor of: your acquaintance, sir, it was likely enough come by during my brief and somewhat hu- miliating sojourn in Swan Alley. Yes, it could not have been at Burnham. You will forgive me, sir, I’m sure, that your name and the fact of our former acquaintance have slipped my memory.” The blood thickened in the ensign’s smooth cheeks. Comichooks.com