The other nodded once more. “He sends me money once in a while. I wrote him not to worry when he didn’t have it. I’m clerking again.”
Charlotte made no comment. She was thinking how strange it was that this other woman, who was a frail, poor-spirited thing, should be ready to support herself and child out of love for Blake. In Charlotte’s mind, which was pitilessly clear and active, there was room for a passing wonder at the mysterious power which so weak a man could exert over women, even without his will. She was wondering, too, if her own passion for him would ever rise again. At present she was far from loving him; she felt only a bitter resentment, a desire to punish him by holding to him, and a towering obstinacy and pride which refused to be set at fault and put to shame. While she was boldly examining and analyzing herself she glanced at the clock to see how long before he could possibly return; the time was ample, and she continued to sit silent. Presently her baby woke, and she rose and went to it.
As she lifted it from its cradle, Nettie started up and came towards her. Hope hid her face against her mother’s neck, but after an instant turned shyly to steal a glance at the stranger.
Nettie sat down again, trembling. “Your baby is like him,” she said.
“Very like him,” Charlotte answered, and as the baby nestled up to her again, she dropped her cheek against it and tears came into her eyes—scalding tears that seemed to sear their way up from the depths of her heart.
Suddenly the other wife leaned forward, eagerly suspicious. “You have no other children—older?” she asked.
Charlotte looked round blankly, her eyes still wet. “Other children?” she echoed, but Nettie’s sharpened face brought her to herself. She wiped her eyes on Hope’s dress. “I lost—a child,” she said.
“Oh,” Nettie murmured, “I’m sorry I asked you. It was older than Dorcas?”
Charlotte stood at bay, with her child strained close to her. She nodded.
“Oh!” Nettie murmured again, in a shaken voice. She looked at Charlotte in despairing envy. “What is this baby named?” she asked.