Now , through Aunt Isabel 's scornful eyes , he saw himself as the world saw him -- as his brothers and sisters must see him . THERE lay the sting . What the world thought of him did not matter ; but that his own should think him a failure and disgrace was agony . He moaned as he started to walk across the yard , only anxious to hide his pain and shame away from all human sight , and in his eyes was the look of a gentle animal which had been stricken by a cruel and unexpected blow . Edith Monroe , who , unaware of Robert 's proximity , had been standing on the other side of the porch , saw that look , as he hurried past her , unseeing . A moment before her dark eyes had been flashing with anger at Aunt Isabel 's words ; now the anger was drowned in a sudden rush of tears . 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 XXXXX the plum pudding was carried out .
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