“So it is, boy. Any one will grant that.”

“Yes, uncle, and that’s what I want to prevent.”

“Well, how?”

“Stop a moment,” said Vane. “I’ve been thinking about this a good deal more since you said you must send for the bricklayer.”

“Well, well,” said the doctor, “let’s hear.”

“I expect you’ll laugh at me,” said Vane; “but I’ve been trying somehow to get to the bottom of it all.”

“Of course; that’s the right way,” said the doctor; and Aunt Hannah gave an approving nod.

“Well,” said Vane; “it seems to me that one fire ought to do all the work.”

“So it does, my boy,” said the doctor; “but it’s a devouring sort of monster and eats up a great deal of coal.”

“But I mean one fire ought to do for both the kitchen and the greenhouse, too.”