Rosalie’s Diary - 12 March 1907
Rosalie’s Diary
Even though Charlie has been coming to the club every night and bringing his extravagant friends with him, Huang still hasn’t
given me a raise. He says why give me a raise when Charlie will tire of me and then he’ll stop coming? He did give me a small
bonus this week, very reluctantly. The Golden Rooster and other clubs like it are the best I can hope for. Huang doesn’t know
I’m now taking voice lessons from Madame Taddeo. She has been very kind and encouraging, so at least I know I’ve got talent
even if nothing comes of it. But with more professional training, and with Madame Taddeo’s support, perhaps I can get somewhere.
Charlie is being very kind. I’m starting to believe he really is sincere. He is so guileless, so desperate to be liked. He
buys drinks for all his friends and I can tell they take advantage of him. “You brought us to this rotten club, Charlie,”
they say, “so drinks are on you.” The poor boy. For that’s what he is, still just a boy.
I must not fall in love with him. There is no future in being the mistress of such a man.