Entering, I found some dozen troopers lounging in the hall, who sprang to attention upon our appearance. Through the open door beyond I caught sight of their horses at the foot of the broad entrance steps. In the passage leading to the servants’ quarters three or four of my lady’s women were huddled together, gazing upon the scene before them with white, scared faces. I bent my head as I passed through, that they might not see my face, and with the two officers at my heels I entered the dining hall—to find it empty.
For a moment I do not know whether in my heart I was the more disappointed or relieved to find it so. But the fact gave me time at least to collect my scattered thoughts. Already I reckoned that it could want barely another half hour until it should be high tide. I turned suddenly to the major.
“May I ask, sir,” I said calmly, “from what source you received the information as to my presence here?”
“As to that,” he replied readily, “I cannot tell you. I do but obey my orders.”
“Ah,” I answered. “And you come——?”
“From Plymouth,” he replied. “But our regiment lies to-night at Meriden.”
“And—pardon me—is it your intention to return thither at once?”
For a moment he hesitated. I think that the prospect of the long Devon miles lying between him and his comfortable quarters held but little attraction for him.
“That will depend upon the condition of our horses, my lord,” he said at length. “We have ridden far and fast to-day.”
A sudden inspiration occurred to me. “Then do me the favour, gentlemen, to look upon me as your host for the short time that you remain beneath this roof. Even misfortune must wait upon hospitality. And a bottle of wine is no mean antidote for a long night ride.”