The Wasp — 1914 — page 265: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* depicts a dramatic scene between two military officers, Alexander and Peter Scovil, discussing a compromising letter. Alexander has discovered damaging correspondence and initially asks Scovil to burn it, then changes his mind—insisting the letter must be read by Scovil, Elizabeth Nash, and others to clear his name rather than cover up "disgrace." Scovil, as Alexander's commanding officer and friend, is reluctant but ultimately agrees to read the letter. The scene emphasizes honor, duty, and transparency over concealment. Without additional context about when this appeared or what specific scandal prompted it, the satire's exact target remains unclear—though it appears to mock military officers facing ethical dilemmas between loyalty and institutional reputation.