"Let it accumulate till my boy returns."
"That would be foolish and idle. The poor boy will never need it more;" and again Mr. Craven buried his emotion in the depth of his handkerchief. "His bright and promising career is over for this world. He has gone where worldly riches will never benefit him more."
But for her private knowledge of Frank's safety, Mrs. Craven would have been moved by his pathetic reference; but, as it was, she stood it without manifesting any emotion, thus plunging her husband into deeper and more angry bewilderment.
"As I said before," returned his wife, "I firmly believe that Frank is still alive."
"What proof—what reason can you offer?" demanded Mr. Craven, impatiently.
"None, except my fixed conviction."
"Based upon nothing at all, and contradicted by the most convincing testimony of eye-witnesses."
"That is your view."
"It is the view of common sense."