The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from In a German Pension by Katherine Mansfield: the attention of others--unless she is unfortunately a widow. Of course, I
know that sea-captains are subject to terrible temptations, and they are as
inflammable as tenor singers--that is why you must present a bright and
energetic appearance, and try and make him proud of you when his ship
reaches port."
This husband that I had created for the benefit of Frau Fischer became in
her hands so substantial a figure that I could no longer see myself sitting
on a rock with seaweed in my hair, awaiting that phantom ship for which all
women love to suppose they hunger. Rather I saw myself pushing a
perambulator up the gangway, and counting up the missing buttons on my
husband's uniform jacket.
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