Thanks Dr. Bill, I'd often wondered what exactly was supposed to be going on in this extract from Northanger Abbey:

The dimness of the light her candle emitted made her turn to it with alarm; but there was no danger of its sudden extinction; it had yet some hours to burn; and that she might not have any greater difficulty in distinguishing the writing than what its ancient date might occasion, she hastily snuffed it. Alas! It was snuffed and extinguished in one.

Northanger Abbey, Chapter 21. http://www.pemberley.com/etext/NA/chapter21.htm

Bingley


Bingley