She took a quick step after Robert , but checked the impulse . Not then -- and not by her alone -- could that deadly hurt be healed . Nay , more , Robert must never suspect that she knew of any hurt . She stood and watched him through her tears as he went away across the low-lying shore fields to hide his broken heart under his own humble roof . She yearned to hurry after him and comfort him , but she knew that comfort was not what Robert needed now . Justice , and justice only , could pluck out the sting , which otherwise must rankle to the death . Ralph and Malcolm were driving into the yard . Edith went over to them . `` Boys , '' she said resolutely , `` I want to have a talk with you . '' The Christmas dinner at the old homestead was a merry one . Mrs. James spread a feast that was fit for the halls of Lucullus . Laughter , jest , and repartee flew from lip to lip . Nobody appeared to notice that Robert ate little , said nothing , and sat with his form shrinking in his shabby `` best '' suit , his gray head bent even lower than usual , as if desirous of avoiding all observation . When the others spoke to him he answered deprecatingly , and shrank still further into himself . Finally all had eaten all they could , and the remainder of the plum pudding was carried out . Robert gave a low sigh of relief . It was almost over . Soon he would be able to escape and hide himself and his shame away from the mirthful eyes of these men and women who had earned the right to laugh at the world in which their success gave them power and influence . He -- he -- only -- was a failure . He wondered impatiently why Mrs. James did not rise .
Mrs. James merely leaned comfortably back in her chair , with the righteous expression of one who has done her duty XXXXX her fellow creatures ' palates , and looked at Malcolm .
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