The Wasp — 1893 — page 329: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon illustrates a French short story titled "Both Were Fooled," translated from Arthur Dourliac. The sketch shows a man in what appears to be a modest room, seemingly taking precautions—likely hiding money or valuables, given the title's reference to "timely precaution." The accompanying text is a lengthy narrative about a romantic entanglement involving a Marquise de Tremble and General de Haudret. The story involves deception, with characters attempting to outsmart each other regarding an affair and hidden correspondence. The cartoon's humor derives from the practical, comedic contrast between romantic intrigue and the mundane act of securing one's possessions—a visual joke about human priorities when love and money intersect.