"Now the town beadle is bumptious, and Mrs.Avenel is Bumptious." "She is a very respectable woman," said Mr.Dale, somewhat rebukingly.
"In course, sir, all gumptious folks are; they value themselves on their respectability, and looks down on their neighbours." PARSON (still philologically occupied).--"Gumptious--gumptious.

I think I remember the substantive at school,--not that my master taught it to me.

'Gumption'-- it means cleverness." LANDLORD (doggedly).--"There's gumption and Bumptious! Gumption is knowing; but when I say that sum 'un is gumptious, I mean--though that's more vulgar like--sum 'un who does not think small beer of hisself.

You take me, sir ?" "I think I do," said the parson, half smiling.

"I believe the Avenels have only two of their children alive still,--their daughter who married Mark Fairfield, and a son who went off to America ?" "Ah, but he made his fortune there and has come back." "Indeed! I'm very glad to hear it.