The Wasp — 1891 — page 454: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts two figures in Victorian dress confronting each other on a street. Based on the caption and dialogue, this appears to be satirizing a social or political encounter, likely involving someone arriving or returning to a situation they find awkward or hostile. The dialogue references Horatio (possibly a character name) being greeted coldly despite expectations of warmth. One figure expresses sadness, the other defensive. The satire seems to mock insincere social pleasantries or the gap between public politeness and private resentment. Without clearer historical context visible on this page, the specific political or social reference remains unclear, though the cartoon critiques false cordiality in interpersonal relations—a common Wasp theme.