He doesn't acknowledge the apology beyond ducking his head a little. It's no one's fault, of course, but the sympathy is appreciated.

It's probably a good thing she tacks on that extra question at the end, because he doesn't really know how to answer the other one. Are you okay? He hasn't been 'okay' for a long, long time, or at least not for more than brief moments.

"'As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.'" He can't help but smile as he reads it, despite the grief. It's a common Irish toast--and so very like one of the Dead Men to leave that little parting gift for him.

"But- I've interrupted your work. I'm sorry."