Abel had comforted his parent by the representation of the probable Burt inheritance.

But the father was skeptical.

Therefore, when General Arcularius Belch requested the pleasure of Mr.Abel Newt's company at dinner, to meet the Honorable B.Jawley Ele--an invitation which was dictated by General Belch's desire to stand well with Boniface Newt, who contributed generously to the expenses of the party--the father and son both perceived the opportunity of discovering what they wished.
"Mr.and Mrs.Alfred Dinks will have six hundred a year, as long as papa Dinks chooses to pay it," said Abel to his father the day after the dinner.
Mr.Newt clenched his teeth and struck his fist upon the table.
"Not a cent shall they have from me!" cried he.

"What the devil does a girl mean, by this kind of thing ?" Abel was not discomposed.

He did not clench his teeth or strike his fist.
"I tell you what they can do, father," said he.
His father looked at him inquiringly.
"They can take Mr.and Mrs.Tom Witchet to board." Mr.Newt remembered every thing he had said of Mr.Van Boozenberg.