The next few days were intolerable. But of course, after the first
passion of disappointment, she began to hope; he would write fully in
a few days. She kept calculating how soon she might expect this fuller
letter. She did not write to him, for as he had given no address it
was evident that he did not wish to hear from her.

That week passed, and then another, and though he wrote, he did not
write "fully." In fact, he made no allusion whatever to Frederick, or
the future. Helena was instant with explanation: he was absorbed with
business; Alice was with him; he had no time. That these were absurd
excuses she knew. But they were the best she could find, and she had
to have excuses. It was at this time that she saw herself age. When
still another week passed, the tension lessened; indeed, she would
have broken down under the strain if she had not fallen into a sort of
apathy. She told herself that after all there was no reason why she
should leave Old Chester immediately. Mr. Benjamin Wright's insolence
had been outrageous and he was a horrible old man; but he had said
that he would not speak of her affairs. So as far as he was concerned
she could perfectly well wait until that Western trip was over; she
would just try not to think of him. So she played with David, and
talked to him, and listened to his confidences about the journey to
Philadelphia which Dr. Lavendar planned. It was more than two months
off, but that did not trouble David. He and Dr. Lavendar had long
talks on the subject, of which, occasionally, the little boy dropped
condescending hints.