"You tried."  She replied after nodding.   "I hope all goes well for you."  And added mentally, 'and the baby.'  She didn't know the situation here but something was not well.  She had not seen badness in Mr. Appleton, but Alice seemed very unhappy.  Together the two seemed not a good match.  Perhaps that was all there was.  In either case, whoever the letter would be going to, might be able to help things.