XIII: Cruel Disappointment explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Seduction and Betrayal

  Charlotte is seduced away from her family and school by Montraville, with La Rue's complicity, betraying the trust of her grandfather and the school.

• Consequences of Imprudence

  Charlotte's impulsive decision to elope, influenced by La Rue, leads to immediate heartbreak for her grandfather and sets the stage for her tragic downfall.

Characters to notice

• Mr. Eldridge

  Arrives joyfully to collect Charlotte, but is shattered by the news of her elopement.

• Charlotte Temple

  Missing from the school; has eloped with Montraville under La Rue's influence.

• Mademoiselle La Rue

  Also missing; implicated as the instigator of Charlotte's elopement.

• Madame Du Pont

  The governess who discovers the disappearance and receives the note confirming the elopement.

Key passages

• “What pleasure expands the heart of an old man when he beholds the progeny of a beloved child growing up in every virtue that adorned the minds of her parents.”

  Mr. Eldridge feels immense joy seeing his granddaughter Charlotte grow up virtuous like her parents.

  Highlights Mr. Eldridge's initial happiness and pride in Charlotte.

• “Miss Temple is well, and wishes to relieve the anxiety of her parents, by letting them know she has voluntarily put herself under the protection of a man whose future study shall be to make her happy.”

  The note says Charlotte is safe and has chosen to go with a man who promises to care for her.

  The note confirms the elopement and attempts to justify Charlotte's actions.

• “She has eloped, then: my child is betrayed; the darling, the comfort of my aged heart is lost!”

  Mr. Eldridge realizes Charlotte has run away and feels his beloved granddaughter is lost to him.

  Mr. Eldridge's grief and sense of betrayal upon learning the truth.