However, to confine myself to the De Crequys.

I had a letter from Clement; I knew he felt his friend's death deeply; but I should never have learnt it from the letter he sent.

It was formal, and seemed like chaff to my hungering heart.

Poor fellow! I dare say he had found it hard to write.

What could he--or any one--say to a mother who has lost her child?
The world does not think so, and, in general, one must conform to the customs of the world; but, judging from my own experience, I should say that reverent silence at such times is the tenderest balm.