He'll tell you a finer story than ever I could. At least- "

"Yes?"

"Well, he's a bold fellow, the fire. He'll say things that I
can't, Eve. He'll praise, thank, bless you al] in a flash. See
what he says for a moment. Remember he's speaking for me."

"Praise, thank, bless," she repeated dreamily. "Does he ever ask
anything in return?"

"Never," said I.

For a full moment she sat gazing into the flames. Then she flung
her cigarette into the grate and jumped to her feet before I had
time to help her.

"Bed-time," she cried. "Mine, at any rate.

"I'll see you to your room," said I, lighting one of the
candles. Then I picked up her grey fur coat and laid it over my
arm.

"Adam, said Eve.

I looked up and across at her, standing straight by the other
side of the hearth, the leaping flames lighting her tumbled hair.
One foot was on the kerb, and her left hand hitching her dress in
the front a little, as women do. The other she held, palm
downwards to the blaze, warming it. I marked the red glow