"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?"

"What will they say?"

"That I drove you from home."

"It won't be true. I don't pretend to enjoy my home, but I suppose I can
stay on here if I like?"

"Yes, you can stay."

"You don't object to my going?"

"No, if it is understood that you go of your own accord."