The Wasp, 1918 · page 193 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 193: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **narrative prose rather than a cartoon**—it's the fictional text from a serial story appearing in *The Wasp*, a 19th-century American satirical magazine. The passage describes Lieutenant Alexander Burnham's awkward entrance into a governor's reception. Everyone stares at him with confusion and interest, causing him embarrassment. The narrator reveals Alexander is nearly identical to his brother James in build and facial features, differing only in expression and eye color (dark-blue versus James's apparently lighter eyes). The dramatic tension suggests Alexander's surprising resemblance to James—presumably a notable or controversial figure—is causing the astonishment. The text emphasizes his "grave, but kindly" expression and direct gaze, setting up a character who resembles someone significant but differs in temperament. Without knowing the full serial context or which historical figures "James" and Alexander Burnham represent, the exact satirical point remains unclear, though the setup suggests mistaken identity or ironic contrast between similar-looking brothers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
184 THE'WASP Slight indications of “polite astonishment escaped the gentlemen of the governor’s suite upon the entrance of the gentlemen from the sloop. His excellency himself showed signs of agitation. Presentations were made, and greet- ings and introductions were exchanged. : ‘Lieutenant Alexander Burnham was puzzled — by the glances of astonishment, inquiry, and keen ~ interest 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? ae Alexander Burnham’ differed physically from — his brother James only in facial expréssion and the tint and quality of his eyes. There was nothing sardonic in Alexander’s appearance, though the lines of his chin, jaw, and brow were amazingly like the lines of his brother’s~profile. His eyes were dark-blue, direct and open in their glance, warm alike in kindness and in anger. The expression of his mouth, in repose, was 5 _ grave, but kindly. - From the chin to the soles of the feet Alex- ander resembled James as one pea resembles icomicbooks:c