The Wasp, 1918 · page 206 of 330
The Wasp — 1918 — page 206: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a literary excerpt rather than a satirical cartoon—a scene from a serialized story published in *The Wasp* magazine. The passage depicts a confrontation between Alexander (apparently a man of social standing) and Nash (likely a person of authority, referred to as "his excellency"). Alexander has learned that Nash knows about Alexander's brother James's disreputable past in England, which led to his banishment. Alexander is ashamed and expects rejection. However, Nash surprises him by refusing to judge James for past sins or spread gossip, offering genuine friendship regardless. The dramatic irony lies in Alexander's wounded pride—he anticipated social ostracism but receives compassion instead, leaving him "gloomily" humbled. Without knowing the full story's context or publication date, the exact satirical target remains unclear, though the scene explores themes of class, family honor, and moral judgment typical of period social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WASP ay, Alexander that he had heard particulars of the past career of the precious James; but he felt it his duty to do this, and at last, after the sloop had been back in port several days, he invited -the sailor into his office and told him about Sir Walter’s letter. Alexander’s face grew white, then red as fire. : ** It is true, sir,’ he said. ‘“‘I should have told you myself, I suppose ; but you seemed fond of him, he had done no harm here—and, after all, he is my, own brother. I do not deny that my father had to send him away from England ; - but I had no wish to blacken his name and my own on this island, where he evidently comported . himself like a man of heart and breeding. The story is now common property, I imagine ; and doubtless you will be glad to see as little of any Burnham as possible in the future.” _ “*What d’ye mean?” roared Nash. “ D’ye think I’d circulate the story ? And d’ye think I'd hold the sins of one brother against another ? Lad, you are welcome to my house every day and every hour of the day.” : Alexander thanked his excellency somewhat gloomily and wished him good day. His pride of name and blood -was cut deep. Nash was comiciooks.com