We will not accompany him into the dark chamber where his father lay, unobservant, for the first time, of his presence. Such a scene is too sacred to be described.
An hour later he came out of the chamber, pale but composed. He seemed older and more thoughtful than when he entered. A great and sudden sorrow often has this effect upon the young.
"Nancy," he said, "have any arrangements been made about the funeral?"
"No, Walter, we waited till you came. Mr. Edson will be here in a few minutes, and you can speak with him about it."
Mr. Edson, though not a professional undertaker, usually acted as such whenever there was occasion for his services. When he arrived, Walter requested him to take entire charge of the funeral.
"Are there any directions you would like to give, Walter?" asked Mr. Edson, who, like most of the villagers, had known Walter from his birth.
"No, Mr. Edson, I leave all to you."
"What relations are there to be invited?"
"My father had no near relatives. There is a cousin, Jacob Drummond, who lives in Stapleton. It will be necessary to let him know."
"Would a letter reach him in time?"