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."