He did not doubt that many blamed him for not interfering in his nephew's extravagant business methods; and he could not explain to these people how peculiarly he was situated with regard to David's affairs; nor, indeed, would many of them have understood the fine delicacy which had dictated John's course.
It was a wretched summer every way.

The accountant who had charge of David's affairs was in no hurry to close up a profitable engagement, and the creditors, having once accepted the probable loss, did not think it worth while to deny themselves their seaside or Highland trips to attend meetings relating to Callendar & Leslie.

So there was little progress made in the settlement of affairs all summer, and David was literally out of employment.

His uncle's and his children's presence was a reproach to him, and Robert and he only irritated each other with mutual reproaches.

Before autumn brought back manufacturers and merchants to their factories and offices David had sunk still lower.