The neighbours, without being consulted, said: "He is mad."
The days came and went, and after a few months of melancholiness he grew a little bit better. His father noticed that he began to take an interest in the culture of the garden.
"I shall have to find work for him," thought Mr. Mathers, and, one day, when his son seemed in a more joyous mood than usual, he spoke to him.
"Do you think that if I built a greenhouse you could take care of it?" he questioned.
"I think so," said his son.
"Work is slack just now," went on Mr. Mathers, "I might as well put up one in the garden as do nothing."
"I think I should very much like to grow tomatoes and grapes," Frank remarked.
"You feel better now, then," said the father. These were the first words which he ventured to speak to his son about his health, now that the latter's senses seemed to have returned to him.
"Have I been ill?" said Frank; and then after a pause——"Of course, I have not been very well lately,—yes, I am better, I think I am myself again."
"Well;" said his father, "it is agreed, we shall have a greenhouse. I think you had better go in the garden and see if you can find something to do there."