"For the matter of that, you ought to have a fire in your bedroom this cold night." "By no means--I would prefer not.

I certainly do not want a fire there.

I dislike an open fire, Mrs.Bunting.I thought I had told you as much." Mr.Sleuth frowned.

He stood there, a strange-looking figure, his candle still alight, just inside the kitchen door.
"I shan't be very long, sir.

Just about a quarter of an hour.