I thought you asked me if I knew it--it's half-past four." Ethelbertha inquired--to return to our fire--if she had tried lighting it again.
"Oh yes, mum," answered the girl.

"I've tried four times." Then she added cheerfully, "I'll try again if you like, mum." Amenda was the most willing servant we ever paid wages to.
Ethelbertha said she would step down and light the fire herself, and told Amenda to follow her and watch how she did it.

I felt interested in the experiment, and followed also.

Ethelbertha tucked up her frock and set to work.

Amenda and I stood around and looked on.
At the end of half an hour Ethelbertha retired from the contest, hot, dirty, and a trifle irritable.