The Wasp — 1894 — page 142: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts a social scene at a horse racing venue, with three named female figures appearing as subjects of gossip or social commentary: - **Miss Octavia Street** — described as having a "big surprise" at the races, with wishes she'd "give us the biggest surprise of all soon" - **Miss Columbia Soquette** — noted for asking "What's that?" - **Miss O.S.** — characterized as "a fine Saturday and a dry track" The cartoon appears to mock upper-class women attending the races, suggesting romantic intrigue or social pretension. The phrase "big surprise" likely refers to unexpected romantic developments or engagements. The satire targets the fashionable society crowd and their perceived obsession with gossip and romantic speculation, typical of Gilded Age social commentary in *The Wasp*.