And the first sound in the house was the bang, bang of the poker against the raker, as Morel smashed the remainder of the coal to make the kettle, which was filled and left on the hob, finally boil.

Altogether, it has been a most enjoyable trip to me. As much or as little company as I chose, and a rub up against a number of old acquaintances of all sorts.

Since the launch of the Minquan Elementary School in Namasia more than 10 years ago, the student body has doubled, but its electricity intensity has declined enough to achieve net-zero energy consumption for three consecutive years thanks to Delta's energy-saving solutions, which include an energy storage system to store excess solar energy during the day for night lighting and for the operations of IT equipment.

A row of houses he regards as a row of necessary evils. The softening and degeneration of the human race he attributes to its progressive predilection for interiors and waning interest in the art of going out and staying there.