In the novel Sad Cypress, Mr Abbott is the village grocer in Maidensford and a witness in the trial against Elinor Carlisle.
When Elinor comes to buy paste for sandwiches, Mr Abbott serves her, and shows her different pots of sandwich paste. She comments that there have been cases of ptomaine poisoning from eating fish pastes, and Mr Abbott assires her that this is an excellent brand which is most reliable, and that they have never had any complaints.
During the trial, Mr Abbott is described as being flustered and unsure of himself, although he is slightly thrilled at his importance. He tells the court that he sold Elinor two pots of sandwich paste, one pot of salmon and anchovy, and one pot of salmon and shrimp. He also says that she had commented on there being a lot of food poisoning with fish paste, and had seemed excited and queer.