On the next morning, he arrived at a conclusion in the nature of a compromise.

He decided on applying to his good friend, Mr.Mool, for a word of advice.
His first proceeding was to call at Teresa's lodgings, in the hope of hearing better news of Carmina.
The melancholy report of her was expressed in two words: No change.

He was so distressed that he asked to see the landlady; and tried, in his own helpless kindhearted way, to get a little hopeful information by asking questions--useless questions, repeated over and over again in futile changes of words.

The landlady was patient: she respected the undisguised grief of the gentle modest old man; but she held to the hard truth.

The one possible answer was the answer which her servant had already given.