The Wasp — 1895 — page 1049: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a short story titled "The Christmas Wasp" by what appears to be "Descent & Co." The narrative describes a narrator's encounter with an acquaintance named Harlow, who has dramatically changed in appearance and demeanor—now fashionably dressed and refined, in stark contrast to his previously uncouth behavior. The story satirizes social climbing and pretension: the narrator is shocked by Harlow's transformation and initially suspects fraud, only to discover through conversation that Harlow has genuinely adopted upper-class mannerisms and values. The satire mocks both Harlow's sudden reinvention and the shallow nature of social status based on appearance and affectation rather than character. The page also features a biographical section on artist Joseph Kahler and an advertisement for Royal Baking Powder.