"Without feeling. Yes, I know." Gideon's expression is level, however discomfiting Amos' smile is. Because he claims there's nothing behind it. How unutterably sad--and if anyone knows unutterable, it's Gideon--and yet understandable. He has lived in times and places when he closed his heart to others' suffering. He still could, should it be necessary.

"I have known other men to conduct their lives without feeling. They were--" There is a pause, but a thoughtful, expectant look on Gideon's face, looking for the kindest way to say it. "Less concerned for the harm they caused others."

Concerned. It's difficult to speak of without falling into the language of emotion.