Philip had come on an errand. There are uses even in gossips, and he had had a talk with his friend the Mayor that day.
"Where are the coals?" he asked.
"There are some in the scuttle," she said.
He looked and found a few small pieces. The fire was laid with a few more. Philip lit them and threw on all the rest. Then he went to the door, and shouted:
"Wilson!"
The small shrewd-faced man who waited on Dale Bannister appeared. He was pushing a wheelbarrow before him.
"Wheel it into the passage," said Philip; "and then go. And, mind, not a word!"
Wilson looked insulted.
"I don't talk, sir," said he.
Philip returned to the room.