The rate of
wages is nothing: certainty is the thing; and every man at
Marney may he sure of his seven shillings a-week for at least
nine months in the year; and for the other three, they can go
to the House, and a very proper place for them; it is heated
with hot air, and has every comfort. Even Marney Abbey is not
heated with hot air. I have often thought of it; it makes me
mad sometimes to think of those lazy, pampered menials passing
their lives with their backs to a great roaring fire; but I am
afraid of the flues."
"I wonder, talking of fires, that you are not more afraid of
burning ricks," said Egremont.
"It's an infernal lie," said Lord Marney, very violently.
"What is?" said Egremont.
"That there is any incendiarism in this neighbourhood."
"Why, there was a fire the day after I came."
"That had nothing to do with wages; it was an accident. I
examined into it myself; so did Grouse, so did Slimsey; I sent
them about everywhere. I told them I was sure the fire was
purely accidental, and to go and see about it; and they came
back and agreed that it was purely accidental."
"I dare say they did," said Egremont; "but no one has
discovered the accident.
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