“What! Did my father leave you all his money?” asked Philip.
“He was NOT your father!” answered Mrs. Brent coldly.
CHAPTER II.
A STRANGE REVELATION.
Philip started in irrepressible astonishment as these words fell from the lips of his step-mother. It seemed to him as if the earth were crumbling beneath his feet, for he had felt no more certain of the existence of the universe than of his being the son of Gerald Brent.
He was not the only person amazed at this declaration. Jonas, forgetting for the moment the part he was playing, sat bolt upright on the sofa, with his large mouth wide open, staring by turns at Philip and his mother.
“Gosh!” he exclaimed in a tone indicating utter surprise and bewilderment.
“Will you repeat that, Mrs. Brent?” asked Philip, after a brief pause, not certain that he had heard aright.
“I spoke plain English, I believe,” said Mrs. Brent coldly, enjoying the effect of her communication.