Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Charlotte decides to walk to New York City and find Mademoiselle La Rue, now Mrs. Crayton. She writes a note explaining her situation and asking for help, packs a small bundle of items, and walks out into the thick snow. Charlotte has no valuable items of her own that she could sell to pay her rent, and Montraville has given her only a locket with a lock of her mother’s hair, which she is unwilling to part with. Charlotte, not equipped with appropriate winter gear, is quickly chilled and soaked.

In town, she finds a soldier to lead her to the Craytons’ home, but he warns her that Mrs. Crayton will likely not help her and offers to take her to Julia’s father instead. He also confirms that Montraville and Julia are married and have left. They arrive at the Craytons’ home and Charlotte knocks on the door.

A servant, John, answers the door and takes the letter from Charlotte to Mrs. Crayton; however, Mrs. Crayton feigns ignorance of Charlotte and tells John to get rid of her. Charlotte asks him to try one more time, and she follows John in to see Mrs. Crayton; however, Mrs.