"But it does, materially. I have no near relatives—at least, none that I care for. I have bequeathed all my property to you."
As Mr. Craven possessed nothing whatever apart from the money which his wife permitted him to control, this magnanimous liberality did not require any great self-denial or evince any special affection on his part. However, his wife did not know that, and upon her ignorance he relied. He expected her to thank him, but her manner continued cold.
"I am obliged to you for your intention," she said, "but I am not likely to survive you."
"We cannot tell, my dear. Should you live to be my widow, I should wish you to inherit all I left behind me."
"Thank you, but I should prefer that you would leave all you possess to the relatives you refer to."
"I have none that I care for."
"I suppose we must sometimes leave property to those we do not particularly like."
Mr. Craven was very much disappointed by the coldness with which his liberality was received. He wanted to suggest that his wife should follow his example and leave him her fortune, increased as it was by Frank's, of which she was the legal heir. But this proposal was not so easy to make. Nevertheless, he determined, at any rate, to try for the control of Frank's estate.
"There's but one thing more I want to mention," he said. "But first let me say, that my will must stand without alteration. Of course, you can make such disposition of my property as you like when it falls to you, but to you it must go. Now, for the other matter. I beg you will excuse me from saying anything to grieve you, but it must be said. It is necessary for us to take some measures about poor Frank's property."
"Why is it necessary?"