As to Thomas so to his father a change had come.

The old man was as silent as ever, indeed more so, but there was no asperity in his silence.

His critical, captious manner was gone.

His silence was that of a great sorrow, and of a great fear.

While there was more cheerful conversation than ever at the table, there was through all a new respect and a certain tender consideration shown toward the silent old man at the head, and all joined in an effort to draw him from his gloom.