Page:Vivian Grey, Volume 1.djvu/191

 "And now, Dame Conyers, for Heaven's sake! light the fire. As for the rent, John Conyers, do not waste this trifle on that," whispered Vivian, slipping his purse into his hand, "for I'll see Stapylton Toad, and get time. Why, woman, you'll never strike a light, if your tears drop so fast into the tinder-box.  Here give it me. You 're not fit for work to-day. And how's the trout in Ravely Mead, John, this hot weather? You know you never kept your promise with me. Oh! you're a sad fellow! There! there's a spark! I wonder why old Toad didn't take the tinder-box. It's a very valuable piece of property, at least to us. Run and get me some wood, that's a good boy. And so white-footed Moll's past all recovery? Well, she was a pretty creature!  There, that will do famously," said Vivian, fanning the flame with his hat. "See, it mounts well! And now, God bless you all! for I'm an hour too late, and must scamper for my very life."