It was difficult to believe, in the midst of this ruddy glare which actually palpitated as the lights and shadows danced upon the wall, that the fire was yet as distant as was reported.

All the menservants had run out into the streets after news of the progress of the fire, and the women were scared by their absence.

Dinah did what she could to calm them, pointing out that since they could as yet neither hear nor feel anything of so great a fire, it must still be a great way off.

It was hardly possible to believe that it would be permitted to sweep onwards much longer unchecked.

By this time men's minds must be fully alive to the great peril in which all London stood, and she doubted not that some wise measures would soon be taken to stay the spread of the flames.