The Wasp, 1913 · page 218 of 364
The Wasp — 1913 — page 218: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a narrative passage from a serialized story rather than a cartoon. The text describes Lieutenant Alexander Burnham's uncomfortable arrival at a governor's reception, where he receives unexplained stares from assembled guests. The passage establishes that Burnham is puzzled by the attention directed at him—he self-consciously wonders if his appearance is somehow wrong or inappropriate. The narrative then notes that Alexander physically resembles his brother James, differing only in facial expression and eye color, with notably similar chin, jaw, and brow lines. The satire's point remains unclear from this excerpt alone, as the full context of what makes Burnham's presence noteworthy or embarrassing isn't revealed. The passage seems to be building toward some reveal about Burnham's identity or background that would explain the guests' reactions, but that explanation is cut off at the page's end. Without seeing the image clearly or reading surrounding pages, the specific social or political satire intended remains uncertain.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a. THE WASP 213 system. So Willis found it—for he was desperately in love with Kitty Trimmer. ~ Slight indications of polite astonishment escaped. the gentlemen of the governor’s suite upon the en- trance of the gentlemen from the sloop. His ex- cellency himself showed signs of agitation. Presen- tations were made, and greetings and introductions were exchanged. Lieutenant Alexander Burnham was puzzled by the glances of astonishment, inquiry, and keen in- terest which were shot at him from every eye. He was embarrassed, and his manner indicated the state of his mind. He wondered what could be wrong “with him. Was his face dirty? Had he left some lather on it after his early and hurried shave? Was he improperly dressed? What the mischief were people staring at? Alexander Burnham differed physically from his brother James only in facial expression and the tint and quality of his eyes. There was nothing sar- donic in Alexander’s appearance, though the lines of his chin, jaw, and brow were amazingly like the Comichooks.com