To the great delight of Mrs.Hill and Conrad, Mrs.Hamilton scarcely addressed a word to Ben at the supper table.

When she did speak, it was with an abruptness and coldness quite unusual for the warm-hearted woman.

Ben looked depressed, fixed his eyes on his plate, and took very little part in the conversation.
Mrs.Hill and Conrad, on the other hand, seemed in very good spirits.
They chatted cheerfully, and addressed an occasional word to Ben.
They could afford to be magnanimous, feeling that he had forfeited their rich cousin's favor.
After supper, Conrad went into his mother's room.
"Our plan's working well, mother," he said, rubbing his hands.
"Yes, Conrad, it is.

Cousin Hamilton is very angry with the boy.

She scarcely spoke a word to him." "He won't stay long, I'll be bound.