The Wasp — 1914 — page 149: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a text passage (Chapter VIII) from a serialized narrative, not a political cartoon. It depicts a social scandal involving three military officers: Stanton, James Burnham, and Percy. The passage describes how Stanton and a girl allegedly set a trap for Burnham, but the plan backfired—Burnham caught them together, and now the officers argue about honor and propriety. One officer accuses Percy of orchestrating an improper scheme, noting the girl allowed Burnham to kiss her "without a struggle," suggesting entrapment. The passage emphasizes concerns about gentlemanly conduct and the expectation that Stanton must now fight Burnham to defend his honor—reflecting 19th-century military and social codes regarding reputation and duels.