But he did not ask.

Then she saw in the pocket of his light summer coat a packet of letters folded inside a newspaper, and there was one long, official-looking envelope that stood above the others far enough that she could see "Miss K--" of the address.
Instantly she decided that it was her answer from the School Director of Walden and she was tremblingly eager to see it.

She thought an instant and then asked: "Have you been to the post office ?" "Yes, I got the mail," he answered.
"Will you please see if there are any letters for me ?" she asked.
"When we get home," he said.

"I am in a hurry now.

Here's a list of things Ma wants, and don't be all day about getting them." Kate's lips closed to a thin line and her eyes began to grow steel coloured and big.