# XIII: Cruel Disappointment explained — Charlotte Temple

> Chapter companion for Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.

## What happens

Mr. Eldridge arrives at the school to collect Charlotte for a visit, but she and Mademoiselle La Rue are missing. After a frantic search, a note reveals that Charlotte has eloped with a man (Montraville) under La Rue's influence, devastating Mr. Eldridge.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-i-xiii-cruel-disappointment
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters