THE IRK OF THE OLD TIES--THE MAGIC OF YOUTH The complete ignoring by Hurstwood of his own home came with the growth of his affection for Carrie.

His actions, in all that related to his family, were of the most perfunctory kind.

He sat at breakfast with his wife and children, absorbed in his own fancies, which reached far without the realm of their interests.

He read his paper, which was heightened in interest by the shallowness of the themes discussed by his son and daughter.

Between himself and his wife ran a river of indifference.
Now that Carrie had come, he was in a fair way to be blissful again.
There was delight in going down town evenings.