"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.

"Come, come, Katy, dear! Don't let that impulsive heart of thine
lead thee too far aside from the path of prudence and safety. I am
sure that Frederick Lee is no self-willed, exacting, domestic
tyrant. I could not have been so deceived in him. But tell me the