“He is in Philadelphia. He is a very rich man.”
“Then Phil will be rich,” said Jonas, disappointed. “I thought you said it would be me.”
“Philip's father has never seen him since he was three years old,” continued Mrs. Brent, taking no notice of her son's tone.
“What difference does that make, mother?”
“Jonas,” said Mrs. Brent, bending toward her son, “if I choose to tell him that you are Philip, he won't know the difference. Do you understand?”
Jonas did understand.
“That's a bully idea, mother! Can we pull the wool over the old man's eyes, do you think?”
“I wish you would not use such expressions, Jonas. They are not gentlemanly, and you are to be a young gentleman.”
“All right, mother.”
“We can manage it if you are very careful. It is worth the trouble, Jonas. I think Mr. Granville—that is his name—must be worth a quarter of a million dollars, and if he takes you for Philip the whole will probably go to you.”