the
right to be as rude as she chose to people in her own house, and rather
prided herself on this evidence of independence.

"In my opinion," said Mrs Denman, "his being in the burning house at
all of his own accord, was of itself evidence of courage. I think the
fireman is a brave young man."

Thus much Mrs Denman said with dignity to Miss Deemas. The remainder
of her speech she addressed to Miss Tippet.

"But, my dear, I feel that although I owe this young man a debt of
gratitude which I can never repay, I shall never be able to look my
preserver in the face. I _know_ that his mind will always revert, when
he sees me, to the fi--fig--the figure that he lifted out of that
easy-chair. But there is one thing I have resolved on," continued the
little old lady in more cheerful tones, as she asked for another cup of
tea, "and that is, to get a fireman to instruct me as to the best method
of saving my own life should fire again break out in my dwelling."

The Eagle gave a hysterical chuckle at this.

"I have already written to one who has been recommended to me as a
shrewd man, and he is coming to call on me this very evening at seven
o'clock."

Mrs Denman started, as if her own remark had recalled something, and
pulled out her watch.

"Why, it is almost half-past six!" she exclaimed, rising hastily.
"Excuse a hurried departure, Miss Deemas. Your society and sympathy"
(she looked pointedly at Miss Tippet here) "have been so agreeable that
I did not observe how time was flying. Good-bye, Miss Deemas. Good
evening, _dear_ Miss Tippet."

Miss Deemas bowed.

"Good-bye, my love," said Miss Tippet, bustling round her friend. "I'm
_so_ glad to have met you, and I hope you'll come and see me soon; 6
Poor-thing Lane, remember. Come whenever you please, dear Mrs Denman.
Yes, yes, time does indeed fly, as you say; or as my friend, Sir
Archibald What's-his-name used to remark, `Tempit fugus something
re-what's-'is-name.' _Good-bye_, dear Mrs Denman."

While the ladies were thus engaged, one whom the Eagle would have tossed
her beak at with supreme contempt was enjoying himself in the bosom of
his family. This was none other than Joe Corney himself, who, having
received a "stop" for a distant fire, had looked in on his wife to tell
her of the note he had received from Mrs Denman.

The family bosom resided in a small portion of a small house in the
small street where the fire-engine dwelt.

Joe had laid his he