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.

"I said that Mr. Brent, my late husband, was not your father."

"I don't believe you!" burst forth Philip impetuously.

"You don't wish to believe me, you mean," answered his step-mother,
unmoved.

"No, I don't wish to believe you," said the boy, looking her in the eye.

"You are very polite to doubt a lady's word," said Mrs. Brent with
sarcasm.

"In such a matter as that I believe no one's word," said Phil. "I ask
for proof."