So they were sitting, she with her work before her, but not working, and
Tom with his book beside him, but not reading, when Martin knocked
at the door. Anticipating who it was, Tom went to open it; and he and
Martin came back into the room together. Tom looked surprised, for in
answer to his cordial greeting Martin had hardly spoken a word.
Ruth also saw that there was something strange in the manner of their
visitor, and raised her eyes inquiringly to Tom's face, as if she were
seeking an explanation there. Tom shook his head, and made the same mute
appeal to Martin.
Martin did not sit down but walked up to the window, and stood there
looking out. He turned round after a few moments to speak, but hastily
averted his head again, without doing so.
'What has happened, Martin?' Tom anxiously inquired. 'My dear fellow,
what bad news do you bring?'
'Oh, Tom!' replied Martin, in a tone of deep reproach. 'To hear you
feign that interest in anything that happens to me, hurts me even more
than your ungenerous dealing.'
'My ungenerous dealing! Martin! My--' Tom could say no more.
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