He surveyed the sweep of events as they struck at those involved in Nathan's ruin and death; and acting upon reasons now to be divulged, he sent first for the mistress of Undershaugh; because in his judgment her right to consideration was paramount. Even in the act of summoning her, he told himself that these claims were no business of his to investigate; and that he was a fool to meddle. He repudiated responsibility at one breath, and deliberately assumed it with the next. His own motives he did not pause to examine. Introspection irritated him and he turned from his conflicting ideas with impatience. In himself he only saw a very ill-balanced, imprudent, and impertinent person; yet he proceeded. Now came Mrs. Lintern to know what he would have, and he saw her with an emotion of hearty regret that he had invited her. In answer to his first question she assured him that she and her children were well. "I'm afraid putting off the wedding has annoyed your nephew a good bit," she said; "but Cora felt that it was better; and so did I." "Why did you think so?" "Well, your brother held it so much to heart; and he was Ned's uncle. We could only have made a very quiet business of it in decency; and Cora felt 'twould be sad to marry under the cloud of death." "Half the sorrow in the world is wasted on what can't be helped. It's folly to mourn what's beyond altering--just as great folly as to mourn the past. Surely you know that?" "No doubt; but who can help it that's made on a human pattern?" "The world would be a cheerful place if none wept for what can't be altered. There was nothing in reason to stand between us and the wedding. 'Twas my brother's last wish, for that matter." She did not answer and a silence fell between them. He was determined that she should break it, and at length she did so. "Your brother was very fond of Cora. Of course, we at Undershaugh miss him a very great deal." "You would--naturally." "At present the idea is that they get married in spring; and that won't be none too soon, for everything's altered now. They'll have to sell half they bought, and get rid of their fine house and their horses, and much else. This business has entirely altered the future for them, poor things." "Utterly, of course. 'Twill have to be real love to stand this pinch. Better they wait a bit and see how they feel about it. They may change their minds. Both are pretty good at that." She sighed. "They understand each other, I believe. But Ned won't change, whatever Cora does. He's wrapped up heart and soul in her." "He'll have to seek work now." "Yes; he is doing so." "The one thing he's never looked for. Harder to find work than foxes." "He's not good for much." "You say that of your future son-in-law?" "Truth's truth. A harmless and useless man. I can't for the life of me think what he'll find to do."