Chapter 16 sixteen

Subsequent events showed Mrs. Strickland to be a strong woman.No matter how much grievance she felt, she didn't show it.She was wise enough to know that people would soon tire of telling her misfortunes all the time, and that a constant pitiful look was not flattering.Whenever she went out as a guest, because of sympathy for her experience, many friends invited her intentionally, and her behavior was always very decent.She was courageous without being explicit; cheerful without being obtrusive; she seemed more willing to listen to others' troubles than to discuss her own misfortunes.Whenever she talked about her husband, she always expressed her pity for him.This attitude of hers towards him baffled me at first.One day she said to me:

You know, you must be mistaken when you tell me that Charles is alone in Paris.From what I've heard I can't tell you where this came from, I know he didn't leave England alone. If that's the case, he can really be said to be stealthy, a genius. Mrs. Strickland looked away from me, and flushed a little. I mean, if somebody talks to you about it, if he ran off with some woman, you don't have to argue. Of course I don't argue. She changed the subject as if what she had just said was an insignificant matter.I soon discovered that there was a strange story circulating among her friends.They said Charles.Strickland became infatuated with a French dancer whom he had first met at a ballet at the Empire and with whom he went to Paris.How this story came to be circulated I have no way of knowing, but it is strange that it has gained Mrs. Strickland a great deal of sympathy, and a great deal of fame at the same time.This has some benefits for the industry she decides to pursue in the future.Colonel MacAndrew was not exaggerating when he said that she was penniless.She needs to find a way to earn a living as soon as possible.She decided to take advantage of the advantage of her acquaintance with a number of writers, and without delay began to learn shorthand and typewriting.Her education will make her engage in this industry above the average typist, and her experience will also attract many customers for her.Friends promised to get her work, and to recommend her wholeheartedly to their acquaintances.

The McAndrews have no children and their living conditions are very good, so they take on the responsibility of raising her children. Mrs. Strickland only needs to maintain her own life.She rented out the house, sold the furniture, and settled in two small houses near Westminster.She rearranged her life.She is very capable, and the business she is determined to start must be successful.