She knew that at this present time Hamlet was the one creature for whom Jeremy passionately cared.

He loved his mother, but with the love that custom and habit has tamed and modified, although since Mrs.Cole's illness in the early summer he had cared for her in a manner more demonstrative and openly affectionate.

Nevertheless, it was Hamlet who commanded Jeremy's heart, and Mary knew it.

Matters were made worse by the undoubted truth that Hamlet did not care very much for Mary--that is, he never gave any signs of caring, and very often walked out of the room when she came into it.
Mary could have cared for the dog as enthusiastically as Jeremy--she was always sentimental about animals--but now she was shut out from their alliance, and she knew that when she came up to them and began to pat or stroke Hamlet, Jeremy was annoyed and Hamlet's skin wriggled in a kind of retreating fashion under her fingers.

Wise people will say that it is impossible for this to be a serious trouble to a child.