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 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 XXXXX them power and influence .
answered flashing flew gave healed hurried saw shrank watched went