A word of tenderness, a caress, no longer met with response from her; her softest mood was that of mere comradeship.

All the warmth of her nature was expended upon the child; Reardon learnt how easy it is for a mother to forget that both parents have a share in her offspring.
He was beginning to dislike the child.

But for Willie's existence Amy would still love him with undivided heart; not, perhaps, so passionately as once, but still with lover's love.

And Amy understood--or, at all events, remarked--this change in him.

She was aware that he seldom asked a question about Willie, and that he listened with indifference when she spoke of the little fellow's progress.