Hunger they can pity--not mental misery.
Tom would not hear of his mother being written to.
"I have done Letty wrong enough already," he said, "without subjecting her to the cruel tongue of my mother.

I have conscience enough left not to have anybody else abuse her." "But, Tom," expostulated Mary, "if you want to be good, one of your first duties is to be reconciled to your mother." "I am very sorry things are all wrong between us, Mary," said Tom.
"But, if you want her to come here, you don't know what you are talking about.

She must have everything her own way, or storm from morning to night.

I would gladly make it up with her, but live with her, or die with her, I could _not_.

To make either possible, you must convert her, too.