And that was all the proud man wrote. Not one word was there for Katy, whose eyes, which had not wept since she knew she was deserted, moved slowly over the short letter, weighing every word, and then were lifted sadly to her father's face as she said: "I will write and tell him all the truth, and on his answer will depend my future course."
This she said referring to the question she had raised as to whether in case Wilford did not come back she should remain in New York or go to Silverton, where as yet they were ignorant of her affliction, for Uncle Ephraim had not told of the telegram, and Katy would not alarm them until she knew something definite.
And so the days went by, while Katy's letter was sent to Wilford, together with another from his father, who confirmed all Katy had protested of her innocence and ended by calling his son a "confounded fool" and telling him to throw up his shoulder straps, which "only honest men had a right to wear, and come home where he belonged."
To this there came an angry, indignant answer, bidding the father attend to his own business, and allow the son to attend to his. To Katy, however, Wilford wrote in a different strain, showing here and there marks of tenderness and relenting, but saying what he had done could not now be helped—he was in for a soldier's life of two years, and should abide his choice. At the idea of Genevra's being alive he scoffed; he knew better than that, and even if she were why need Katy have gone with it to Morris. Surely she should have had the discretion to keep something to herself.
This was the purport of Wilford's letter to Katy, who when she had finished reading said, sorrowfully:
"Wilford never loved me. It was a mere fancy, a great mistake, and I cannot stay in his home, knowing that I am not trusted and respected as a wife should be. I will go to Silverton. There is room for me there. I shall write to Helen to-day."
Meanwhile at Silverton, Uncle Ephraim, still keeping the telegram a secret, grew more and more anxious as there came no news of Katy. What did the silence mean? Uncle Ephraim pondered the matter all day long, holding conversations with himself upon the subject, and finally making up his mind to the herculean task of going to New York to see what was the matter. To the family, who asked the reason of his sudden journey, he said: He had a notion that something ailed Katy, and he was going to see.
No one ever thought of opposing Uncle Ephraim, and the following day found him ready for the journey Aunt Betsy had taken before him.
Presuming upon her experience as a traveler, that good dame had proffered sundry pieces of advice with reference to what it was best for him to do on the road, telling him which side of the car to sit, where to get out, and above all things not to shake hands with the conductor when asked for his ticket.
Uncle Ephraim heard her good-humoredly, and stuffing into his pocket the paper of ginger-snaps, fried cakes and cheese, which Aunt Hannah had prepared for his lunch, he started for the cars, and was soon on his way to New York.