ruefulness

The Emperor did allow himself a moment of ruefulness when he conceded that the people he was leaving might feel “let down.”

"Or than me either, I'm afraid," he added, with a ruefulness that was not ill-tempered.

"They will all laugh at me," sighed the subdued Annie, with comical ruefulness.

"I am not so sure of that," he said with pretended ruefulness, feeling in the breast pocket of his shirt.

"Ah, yes; he has excellent common-sense," Lady Agatha echoed, with a ruefulness which made Mary laugh suddenly.

In the midst of his ruefulness the doctor, a capable-looking man of five and thirty, entered the room.