Lori did not in any way conceal from me how much Frederick attracted her.
“I say, Martha! you are really to be envied to have such a charming husband,” or “You should keep a good look-out on this Frederick of yours, for all the women I know are running after him”.
“I am quite certain of his fidelity,” I replied to this.
“Don’t flatter yourself; to think of ‘fidelity’ and ‘husband’ being coupled together! That is impossible. For example, you know how my husband——”
“Good heavens! you may perhaps have been wrongly informed. Besides, surely all men are not alike!”
“Yes, they are—all—believe me. I know none of our gentlemen who do not.... Among those who pay me attention are several married men. And what is their object? Certainly not to give me or themselves exercises in fidelity to marriage.”
“I suppose they know you will not listen to them. And do you think Frederick belongs to this crew?” I asked with a smile.
“That is more than I can tell you, you little goose. But for all that it is very good of me to let you know how much I am struck with him. Now, all you have to do is to keep your eyes open.”
“My eyes are wide open already, Lori, and they have before now observed with displeasure several attempts at coquetry on your part.”
“Oh, that’s it! Then I must disguise it better in future.”