Now he could not abide rebukes; he had never permitted anybody to criticize him.

For once that unconscious irritation that had been slowly accumulating within him flamed up.

It was an irritation too vague, too formless to put into words, especially inasmuch as words did not come easily to Tom Parker when he was mad.
Without further comment the old man pulled his gray wide-awake lower over his eyes and limped out of the room.

But he did not go to Judge Halloran's office; he was too sore to risk further offense at the hands of one who took malicious delight in antagonizing him, so he walked the streets.

The more he pondered "Bob's" accusation--and accusation it surely was--the angrier he became; not at her, of course, for she was blood of his blood, his other and better self; but angry at himself for allowing the reins to slip out of his fingers.