The paper contained not a word from Elfride.It was the deposit-note for his two hundred pounds.On the back was the form of a cheque,and this she had filled up with the same sum,payable to the bearer.
Stephen was confounded.He attempted to divine her motive.
Considering how limited was his knowledge of her later actions,he guessed rather shrewdly that,between the time of her sending the note in the morning and the evenings silent refusal of his gift,something had occurred which had caused a total change in her attitude towards him.
He knew not what to do.It seemed absurd now to go to her father next morning,as he had purposed,and ask for an engagement with her,a possibility impending all the while that Elfride herself would not be on his side.Only one course recommended itself as wise.To wait and see what the days would bring forth;to go and execute his commissions in Birmingham;then to return,learn if anything had happened,and try what a meeting might do;perhaps her surprise at his backwardness would bring her forward to show latent warmth as decidedly as in old times.
This act of patience was in keeping only with the nature of a man precisely of Stephens constitution.Nine men out of ten would perhaps have rushed off,got into her presence,by fair means or foul,and provoked a catastrophe of some sort.Possibly for the better,probably for the worse.
He started for Birmingham the next morning.A days delay would have made no difference;but he could not rest until he had begun and ended the programme proposed to himself.Bodily activity will sometimes take the sting out of anxiety as completely as assurance itself.