It wasn't even a good coal fire.

Some austere former tenant had installed an electric radiator in the once comfort-giving grate.

But Jaffery did not seem to mind.

The remains of breakfast were on the table which the dingy servitor began to clear.
Jaffery rose from the depths of his easy chair like an agile mammoth.
"Hullo, hullo, hullo!" His usual greeting.

We shook hands and commended the weather.