The Wasp — 1889 — page 113: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two illustrated anecdotes from *The Wasp*, a satirical magazine. The main cartoon titled "Early and Late" depicts a creditor confronting an old man (Uncle Taylor) about an unpaid boot debt from twenty years prior. The cobbler threatens to extract payment from the debtor's hide—a humorous play on words since boots are made from leather. The satire mocks both the persistence of old debts and the debtor's failed excuses. Below, "She Lived to Spite Him" presents a biographical sketch of a woman engaged twice who never married, despite societal pressure. The text mocks her defiance of matrimonial expectations and the old lady's vindication in outliving her suitor. The remaining text consists of dialogue snippets and social commentary, including exchanges about a visit to Washington and dining at the White House—likely satirizing pretension or social climbing.