“But that would mean keeping up the fire all night.”
“Well, you would do that if you had a stove and flue, uncle.”
“Humph, yes.”
“And, in this case, the fire on cold winters’ nights would be indoors, and help to warm the house.”
“So it would,” said the doctor, who went on examining the papers very thoughtfully.
“The pipes would be nicer and neater, too, than the brick flue, uncle.”
“True, boy,” said the doctor, still examining the plans very attentively. “But, look here. Are you pretty sure that this hot-water would run all along the pipes?”
“Quite, uncle, and I did so hope you would let me do it, if only to show old Bruff that he does not know everything.”
“But you don’t expect me to put my hand in my pocket and pay pounds on purpose to gratify your vanity, boy—not really?” said the doctor.
“No, uncle,” cried Vane; “it’s only because I want to succeed.”