But the extreme dolefulness of Mrs.Newt had already perplexed her; and the prompt, simple way in which she answered this question precluded the suspicion of artifice.

Something was clearly, radically wrong.

She knew that Alfred had six hundred a year from his father.

She had no profound respect for that gentleman; but men are willful.

Suppose he should take a whim to stop it?
On the other side, she knew that Boniface Newt was an obstinate man, and that fathers were sometimes implacable.