Can we condemn her mother for refusing to believe the child she had trained and watched, and prayed for so long, such an adept in deceit?
Can we blame her want of penetration in this instance, and think it unnatural in her character, when we remember how completely the character of her child was changed?
Surely not.

It would have been stranger had she, without proof, believed Caroline the girl she had really become.
The reflection that she could still write to Annie and hear from her, consoled her for the temporary separation; and she joined the Duchess with some degree of pleasure, which had, however, been slightly alloyed by a conversation with her mother before she left home.

Her spirit was in too excitable a state to hear advice calmly.

Every word Mrs.Hamilton so gently said on her conduct being more guarded now than when under her eye, her mild entreaties that for her sake Caroline would behave with reserve, all fell on a poisoned ear.

Sullenly she listened, and when her mother bade her farewell, it was with a heart grieving bitterly.