Question

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," which description of John indicates that the narrator does not trust him?
When I get really well, John says we will ask Cousin Henry and Julia down for a long visit; but he says he would as soon put fireworks in my pillow-case as to let me have those stimulating people about now.
He asked me all sorts of questions, too, and pretended to be very loving and kind.
He says no one but myself can help me out of it, that I must use my will and self-control and not let any silly fancies run away with me.
John says I musn’t lose my strength, and has me take cod liver oil and lots of tonics and things, to say nothing of ale and wine and rare meat.

Answer 1

"He asked me all sorts of questions, too, and pretended to be very loving and kind."

The verb "pretended" shows the narrator believes his affection is not genuine, which directly signals distrust. The other lines show his patronizing, controlling attitude but not that she explicitly doubts his sincerity.