"Nothing is the matter, James."
"But your face shows that you have been crying."
"It is nothing."
"Have you had any trouble with Jane?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"I was thinking of Robert. Isn't it terrible that I get no word from him?"
Mr. Talbot started, and his hand went into the pocket where the letter rested. Then he recovered and shrugged his shoulders.
"I have already told you what I think of the boy," he said. "My love, he is unworthy of your tears."