The Wasp, 1913 · page 117 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 117: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page appears to be from a serialized story or narrative feature in *The Wasp*, a 19th-century American satirical magazine. The dialogue suggests a confrontation between two men—Stanton and Burnham—regarding a woman named Kitty Trimmer, whom they apparently knew in the past when living in "Swan Alley." The exchange is a form of blackmail or coercion: Burnham threatens to reveal or publicize knowledge of Stanton's past relationship with Kitty, implying social scandal. Stanton's responses ("They wouldn't believe you") suggest he's from a higher social position where such revelations could damage his reputation. The satire likely mocks Victorian-era class pretensions and hypocrisy—a man of apparent respectability being vulnerable to exposure of his earlier, less genteel associations. Burnham's patronizing tone ("leering," "coolly") emphasizes the power dynamic in this confrontation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
er , ° 114 THE WASP regards to her as soon as you recover command of your legs.” Mr. Stanton blinked, groaned, and swore. “T am wondering,’ continued Burnham coolly, “if you did not make a mistake this morning. Is it possible that you ever met me and Kitty Trimmer when we lived together in Swan Alley? Think again, my dear sir; and give your whole mind to it. For the life of me, I can’t recall ever having seen your face before—and it is not a face to be lightly forgotten.” Stanton glared at him in a dazed sort of way and groaned again. “You should<consider the lady’s feelings, as you are so fond of her,” continued Burnham, leering. “Live and let live is a good motto for gentlemen in your position. Come, bestir your wits and tell me if you and I—and Kitty—are to be friendly strangers—or what we used to be.” Stanton got unsteadily to his feet. “They wouldn’t believe you,’ he said dully. Comichooks.com