Pleasure Reading №2

Chapters 9-16

Carrie seemed only as a nice and good-looking target for Mr. Douet and to proof his skills in seduction and show his success the man decided to introduce Caroline to his reputable and well-to-do friend, Mr. Hurstwood. The latter was a married man but his family did not bring him happiness. Mrs. Hurstwood always thought about her appearance and she was only interested in people’s opinions about their family; their son and daughter were pampered and the parents did not spend much time to educate them.

Being invited Mr. Hurstwood suggested to see just a beautiful woman without interesting life-views and clever thoughts, however, Carrie impressed him greatly and he wanted to continue communication with her. Caroline, in her turn, had changed and from that Carrie, who came to a big city in cheap dress without job and any near-term perspectives, had nothing to remain. They three visited theaters several times, had dinners together and when Mr. Drouet left Chicago Mr. Hurstwood promised to take care of Caroline. He did not only visit her but made Carrie love him but she did not know about his wife and children.

A new couple met secretly even when Drouet was in the city and one day Hustwood asked Carrie to leave her friend to him. Caroline’s feelings were different: she loved him but could not leave Drouet because he had helped her in a difficult moment. Moreover, he found a role for her in the theatre and Carrie’s rehearsal was perfect during which the director noticed her talent.