Although the conclusion was easily identifiable early on, it was still an entertaining tale.  I don't know why the wife just didn't ask for protection from her husband as she was brave enough to show her attraction to the other professor and continued to do so even after being found out.  Even back then she could've gotten some sort of protection.  That said, I don't like rats at all, especially the larger ones (ROUSs from The Princess Bride anyone?).