Chapter 25

We may leave for a moment the contemplation of a domestic history
lighted up at present by such few and fitful gleams of sunshine, and
glance at the married life of another pair who have figured in this
story, and who have not been without their influence upon whatever there
may have been of tragic in its development.

The young Becks, as they were called in contradistinction to the
master's family, were now among the first people in Arendal, and kept
one of the best houses in the town, which they had ample means to do,
for the shipbuilding business brought them in a considerable annual
income. Carl Beck had lost none of his attractiveness as he grew older.
His curling black hair had now an early sprinkling of grey in it, but
was always arranged to the very best effect; and there was, people said,
such a nobleness about him (his cleverness was undisputed) that when he
rose to propose or reply to a toast, there was not a lady at the table
who was not in a flutter of inward admiration. With his social
advantages he could not, of course, fail to be in a position of
considerable influence in the town, which again heightened his welcome
in society.

But if he was thus made much of, it was not altogether the same with his
wife. The estimate of her which generally prevailed, that she was so
perfectly "correct," was not intended perhaps to be complimentary, but
implied at the same time a recognition of her social power. She was, in
fact, her husband's timepiece, and without her tact he would not have
kept himself as straight as he did in the midst of the gushing welcomes
which he found on all sides.

In his relations with his wife he was a pink of chivalry, never omitted
the most trifling attention, and was always being complimented on being
a pattern husband. 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 Frederiksværn 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