Mrs. Lee lifted her head, and tried to assume an air of dignity as she spoke.
"I warned you that Frederick would not bear it, if you attempted to lay your hand upon his faults."
Kate raised her head higher, and compressed her lips. Still she did not answer.
"A young husband, naturally enough, thinks himself faultless—at least in the eyes of his wife."
"Very far from faultless is Frederick in my eyes," said Kate. "My love is not blind, and so I told him."
"You did!"
"Yes, I did, and in so many words," replied Kate, with spirit.
"Ah, silly child!" returned her friend. "Already you have the reward of your folly. I forewarned you how it would be."
"Are my wishes, feelings, and taste to be of no account whatever?" said Kate, warmly. "Frederick is to be and do just what he pleases, and I must say nothing, do nothing, and bear every thing. Was this the contract between us? No, Mrs. Morton!"
The bright eyes of Mrs. Lee flashed with indignant fire.