“Or De Lancey’s Cowboys,” said Valentine, but not in a whisper.
Elizabeth cast a sharp look at the old man, as if to show disapproval of his use of the Whigs’ nickname for De Lancey’s troop. But the octogenarian did not quail.
“They’re riding towards the manor-house,” he added, a moment later.
“Let us hope they’re friends,” said Colden, in a tone low and slightly unsteady.
Elizabeth disdained to whisper.
“Maybe it is Lee’s Light Horse,” she said, in her usual voice, but ironically, addressing Valentine. “In that case we should tremble for our lives, I suppose.”
“Whoever they are, they’ve stopped before the house!” said Miss Sally, in quite a tremble.
There was a noise of horses pawing and snorting outside, of directions being given rapidly, and of two or three horses leaving the main band for another part of the grounds. Then was heard a quick, firm step on the porch floor, and in the same instant a sharp, loud knock on the door.
No one in the hall moved; all looked at Elizabeth.
“A very valiant knock!” said she, with more 64 irony. “It certainly must be Lee’s Light Horse. Will you please open the door, Colden?”