The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-03-04
CHAPTER XVII.
CharIotte's Dismissal.


Happy in the thought that she was
to dine with Ernest for the first time;
bliSsfully unaware OF the cataclysm
which was 10 tumble her joyously- built
air castle into a heap OF dust. Char
lotte came blithely into the library, a
huge bunch OF fresh, sweet smelling
yiolets in her arms. Rose. with sink
ing heart, busted herself al the books
awaiting for the young secretary To
speak.
Look at my vioets," Charlotte
cried gaily Aren't they beautiful?
they are the last OF the season"
Rose did not answer Charlotte got
a vase. placed 1t in the center OF the
table and filled IL with water and ar
single bloom.
You're not very laxative, Rose,
she said struck by the unusual sill
ence OF the old woman. See: | am
going TO press this in my note book
as a souvenir of my first dinner here.
Where is my note book?
She searched for IL on the desk, but
Ernest, in his last moment In the IL
bray. had snatched it up and taken 1t
with him. Rose spoke for the first
time. Ia rather a tremulous voice.
1t isn't there; it's been taken away.
Mr. Ernest took it,
Where did ne put it,"
He mid it," Rose replied, bursting
into tears.
Charlotte felt instantly that some
thing had happened that affected her.
She went over to Rose and patted her
kindly OH the arm.
Don't cry. Rose: tell me what's the
matter. Something has happened
Where Is he?"
The kind hearted old nurse still
could not tell her. but Charlotte was
beginning 20 divine a breach. She
took "a step toward Ernest's door, but
Rose held out her hands imploringly
Don't 20, she said.
Charlotte turned slowly and looked
inquiringly at her.
"He doesn't want me here any
more she said slowly and sadly. I'M
derstanding al last.
"Ah, | never thought I should have
the courage TO tell you" Rose said in
tone OF immense relief
It's another woman" Charlotte said
quickly.
That always is the first and usually
the correct conclusion OF woman
who Is sighted by the man she loves.
Rose rallied quickly 10 his defense.
She strongly sympathized with Char.
lotte, and thought Ernest's behavior
disgraceful. but she could not forge.
her own maternal love for him, nor
see him misjudged
IF there IS, It's not his fault. my
poor dearie,' she said. There's To
be a change IN his life. He's going
to DO something foolish He'll sex.
plain He'll cali on you tomorrow. or
maybe very sOon--for, hes not proud
o. himself. and he hasn't much rea-
son To- be-" she added, grimly
Charlotte all her life had been &C.
customed TO self-denial. 10 seeing
others get the things she most coyet.
ed Here all her hopes were dashed
60 pie ces. She had grown quite con.
ter; To be Ernest's secretary, although
always cherishing the secret hope that
she might some day be- more
And now che could not even be his
secretary She must return 10 her old
life. she must be a governess 10 un.
rdly children OF the companion 81
sCme querulcus old lady.
But she never rallied at fate. never
blamed any one for these reverses OF
fortune She was bitterly hurt and
disappointed now, but she was ready
10 forgive.
Don't blame him." she said To Rose
Hes been more than kind 20 me
That-tbat | should have a place ia
| his life was too much 10 hope for.