The Wasp — 1914 — page 224: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains narrative text rather than visual satire. It describes a dramatic confrontation where Lieutenant Burnham learns that a man named James—whom he believed dead—may actually be an impostor. The passage reveals James as a heroic figure who saved the narrator's daughter's life, fled after a duel with someone named Stanton, and left behind a poignant letter to "Elizabeth" expressing regret over "youthful follies" and "hopeless love." Burnham experiences shock upon hearing this revelation, suspecting deception. The text concludes with Burnham exclaiming that James actually sailed for Kingston, Jamaica—suggesting the "James" present may indeed be fraudulent. Without seeing accompanying illustrations, the satirical target remains unclear, though the drama involves honor, identity, and social deception typical of Wasp commentary.