It required all Halcyone's fortitude to act the part of unconcern which was necessary after the post had come in and no letter for herself had arrived.

The only possibility of getting through the time until she should reach London, and be able to communicate with Cheiron would, be resolutely to forbid her thoughts from turning in any speculative direction.

_She knew_ nothing but good could come to her--was she not protected from all harm by every strong force of the night winds, the beautiful stars and the God Who owned them all?
Therefore it followed that this seeming disaster to her happiness must be only a temporary thing, and if she bore it calmly it would soon pass.

Or, even if it delayed, there was the analogy of the winter which for more than four months of the year numbed the earth, often with weeping rain and frost, but, however severe it should be, there was always the tender springtime following, and glorious summer, and then the fulfillment of autumn and its fruits.

So she _must not_ be cast down--she must have faith and not tremble.
She made herself converse gently with her stepfather's wife, and won her liking before they reached Paddington station.