Then a match was applied.

It was the only incense that was handy in the Phoenix office, and it certainly burned very briskly and smoked a great deal.
'We have met here today,' said the gentleman again, 'on an occasion unparalleled in the annals of this office.

Our respected Phoenix--' 'Head of the House,' said the Phoenix, in a hollow voice.
'I was coming to that.

Our respected Phoenix, the Head of this ancient House, has at length done us the honour to come among us.

I think I may say, gentlemen, that we are not insensible to this honour, and that we welcome with no uncertain voice one whom we have so long desired to see in our midst.' Several of the younger clerks thought of saying 'Hear, hear,' but they feared it might seem disrespectful to the bird.
'I will not take up your time,' the speaker went on, 'by recapitulating the advantages to be derived from a proper use of our system of fire insurance.