Some few of the intimates of the house seemed to think, though, that there was something strange in their attitude to one another--a sort of coolness and reserve about both--and it was whispered that his wife did not appreciate him as she ought; it seemed as if the two talked together best when strangers were present.

Fru Beck, too, always looked so uncommonly pale, and was so frigidly calm, that it might have been supposed she had no feelings at all; and in comparison with his overflowing warmth of nature she certainly did seem dreadfully precise and cold.
When they first came to Frederiksvaern as a young newly-married couple, her colour had been fresh, and her expression showed that she was still in love; she was then completely under the spell of his attractive warmth of manner, and felt safe in the possession of his love.

It was true, a couple of failings, which contrasted strangely with the idea she had formed of him from his manly bearing, had gradually disclosed themselves--namely, an extraordinary vanity, and an almost ridiculous dependence upon the opinion of the world.

But so long as his heart was in the right place, and she could feel that he loved her, these disappointments were matters of but secondary consideration to her.

She felt that she even loved him all the more for these weaknesses; and she trusted to the power which she was gaining over him more and more every day to get them presently corrected.
The charming Lieutenant Beck became sought after everywhere, and his success with the ladies resulted in his having very soon established sentimental relations with nearly every member of the fair circle around him.