Few in number at all times, Mr. Thorpe's words had now become fewer
than ever. His usual energy appeared to be gone altogether. He still
went through all the daily business of the religious Societies to which
he belonged, in direct opposition to the doctor's advice; but he
performed his duties mechanically, and without any apparent interest in
the persons or events with which he was brought in contact. He had only
referred to his son once in the last two days; and then it was not to
talk of reclaiming him, not to ask where he had gone, but only to
desire briefly and despairingly that his name might not be mentioned
again.
So far as Zack's interests or apprehensions were now concerned, there
was, consequently no fear of any new collision occurring between his
father and himself. When Mrs. Thorpe had told her husband (after
receiving Valentine's answer to her letter) that their runaway son was
"in safe hands," Mr. Thorpe never asked, as she had feared he would,
"What hands?" And again, when she hinted that it might be perhaps
advisable to assist the lad to some small extent, as long as he kept in
the right way, and suffered himself to be guided by the "safe hands"
already mentioned, still Mr. Thorpe made no objections and no
inquiries, but bowed his head, and told her to do as she pleased: at
the same time whispering a few words to himself; which were not uttered
loud enough for her to hear.
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