IN THE FIRELIGHT 223 



vention of courtesy fireplace etiquette 

 has tacitly established itself, in accordance 

 with which the person who wields the tongs, 

 assuming full responsibility for results, is free 

 from criticism or suggestion. Disregard of 

 such etiquette may not have precipitated 

 divorce, but I have known it to produce dis 

 tinctly strained relations. And so, while 

 Jonathan tinkered in a half-hearted way 

 at the fire, I ruled my tongue. At last, lit 

 tle vanishing blue flickers began to run 

 along the log edges, growing steadier and 

 yellower until they settled into something 

 like a blaze. 



Jonathan straightened up, but there was a 

 trace of the apologetic in his tone as he said, 

 &quot;That 11 do, won t it?&quot; 



&quot;Why, yes,&quot; I replied cautiously, &quot;it s a 

 fire.&quot; 



&quot;Well, what s the matter with it?&quot; he asked 

 tolerantly. 



&quot;Since you press me, I should say that it 

 lacks style.&quot; 



Jonathan leaned back, puffing comfortably 

 &quot;Now, what in thunder do you mean by 

 style?&quot; 



