The Wasp — 1893 — page 144: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two distinct sections: **"The Postscript"** is a fictional narrative excerpt (credited to French author Armand Silvestre) depicting aristocratic characters—a countess, her husband the count, and their associates—engaged in romantic drama and correspondence intrigue. The dialogue concerns a letter Philip has written and questions of infidelity and discretion among the French nobility. **"We Understand"** is a satirical poem by W. D. Townsend using repetitive phrases ("'Y' understand") to mock pretentious or evasive explanations. It ridicules verbose justifications for questionable behavior—suggesting social hypocrisy where people use elaborate language to excuse themselves. Neither section contains clear political commentary. Both target social affectation and the moral compromises of the upper classes through literary satire rather than visual caricature.