The eyes were full of contempt and anger, and a sneering sound came from his lips.
"You'll do no such thing." The young man glanced sideways at his parent.
"Who will prevent me ?" "I!" roared the elder.
"I believe I am one of the firm," said Abel, coldly.
"You'd better try it!" said the old man, disregarding Abel's remark.
Abel was conscious that his father had this game, at least, in his hands.
The word of the young man would hardly avail against a simultaneous veto from the parent.

No transaction would stand a moment under such circumstances.

The young man slowly turned from the door, and fixing his eyes upon his father, advanced toward him with a kind of imperious insolence.
"I should like to understand my position in this house," said he, with forced calmness.
"Good God! Sir, a bootblack, if I choose!" returned his father, fiercely.
"The unluckiest day of my life was when you came in here, Sir.

Ever since then the business has been getting more and more complicated, until it is only a question of days how long it can even look respectable.

We shall all be beggars in a month.