He had certainly neglected her, as the mother had implied.

The girl had such few opportunities for going out, why should she not accept such as came to her.

But this stranger, this outsider! Dorian soon took his departure.
He went home, unhitched, and put up his horse; but instead of going into the house, he walked down to the post office.

He found nothing in his box.

He felt better in the open, so he continued to walk.