"Is this true?" ejaculated Mrs. Craven, looking toward her husband with pale face.
"Yes, my dear."
There was a low shriek, and the poor mother sank to the floor in a dead faint.
CHAPTER XXXII.
BEN BRINGS GOOD NEWS.
The news of Frank's death—or supposed death—was a terrible shock to Mrs. Craven. She was of a nervous organization, and her attachment to her son was the greater because he was her only child. She felt that after his death she would have nothing left worth living for. All her future plans and prospects of happiness were connected with him. Her husband, as we know, was nothing to her. She had married him partly because she thought he might be useful to Frank.
"I wish I could die, Katy," she wailed, addressing her faithful attendant.
In this hour of her affliction, Katy was nearer to her than Mr. Craven.
"Don't say that, missis," said Katy, sobbing herself the while.