Final answer:
To cope with Jeffrey's illness and take it off his mind, Steven started working hard and late, distanced himself from Judy at a dance, and convinced himself of the trouble and pain she had caused him.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to cope with Jeffrey's illness and take it off his mind, Steven started working hard and late, focusing on his work and plotting out his years.
He also attended a dance where he didn't ask Judy to sit out with him or tell her she was lovely, showing that he was trying to distance himself.
Additionally, he tried to convince himself of the trouble and pain she had caused him, emphasizing her deficiencies as a wife.