Yon can
imagine that a young and beautiful woman entirely alone, whose husband
is invisible, does not remain unassailed. Besides, there is the
American independence and confidence of manner which is often mistaken
for emancipation, and by which a man easily feels encouraged--in short,
serious attention has been paid to her, and she has seemed to accept
it. Then suddenly there came a repulse and a rupture, which has
already resulted in injury to several somewhat delicately strung
masculine hearts. Moreover she is very uneven in her manner. Often
gay, even reckless, devising pranks like a spoiled boy, then suddenly
reserved, distant, and stern. True, she is always intellectual, so
that I know many a man who is uncomfortable in her society, to say
nothing of women."
Frau von Jagerfeld had spoken eagerly in a low tone, with frequent
interruptions when courtesy compelled her to listen to the numerous
toasts which were chiefly proposed to her and to the master of the
house. Mrs. Burgess could not long fail to notice that the two persons
opposite were talking about her, and she smilingly shook her finger
across the table at her friend.
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