“I think I shall go to New York.”

“What for?”

“Seek my fortune, as so many have done before me.”

“They didn't always find it!” said Mrs. Brent with a cold sneer. “Is there any other reason?”

“Yes; it's chiefly on account of what you told me yesterday. You said that I was dependent upon you.”

“So you are.”

“And that I wasn't even entitled to the name of Brent.”

“Yes, I said it, and it's true.”

“Well,” said Phil, “I don't want to be dependent upon you. I prefer to earn my own living.”

“I am not prepared to say but that you are right. But do you know what the neighbors will say?”