The French Lieutenant's Woman

Charles returns to his accommodations and thinks about contacting Grogan to search for Sarah. In his room, a note from Sarah is waiting for him. She wants one final meeting with Charles. Though he is relieved, Charles is angry that she is threatening to never trouble him again if he does not show. Charles instructs Sam to investigate how the note reached his room. Sam fetches the owner, who reveals that the note was brought by a boy. The hostler returns with another note from the boy and, as he leaves, Sam makes a “secret wink” (208) to him. Charles tells Sam that he intends to help the French Lieutenant’s Woman and he asks Sam to keep this a secret. Sam agrees though he gives Charles a strange look behind his back. Charles reads the second note, in which Sarah begs for his help in French. She is hiding in a barn. Outside, rain begins to fall, and lightning flashes. Charles stalks up and down his room then studies himself in the mirror. He drinks alcohol and, when Sam brings his supper, he is just about to leave. He tells Sam to eat the supper and ventures out in the rain.