At that moment a scurry of hoofs and a clanging of bells, together with the hoot of a motor-horn, were heard above the roaring of the flames.

“The fire-brigade!” exclaimed the Canon.

“The fire-brigade and my husband,” said Mrs. Gramplain, in her dull level voice; “it will all begin over again now, the old life, the old unsatisfying weariness, the old monotony; nothing will be changed.”

“Except the east wing,” said the Canon gently.