"Well, sir," inquired Dayton sharply.
"Lady Johnson is not to be discovered in the town, sir."
"What? Has Lady Johnson run away also? Does the poor, deluded woman imagine that any man in my command would offer insult to her?"
"It is reported, sir, that Lady Johnson said some very bitter things concerning us. It is further reported that Lady Johnson is gone in a great rage to the hunting lodge of the late Sir William, as there were already family servants there at last accounts."
"Where's this place?" demanded Dayton, turning to me.
"The summer house on the Vlaie, sir."
"Very well. Take what men you can collect and go there instantly, Mr. Drogue, and place that foolish woman under arrest!"
A most painful colour burnt my face, but I saluted in silence.
"The little fool," muttered Dayton, "to think we meant to insult her!" And to me: "Let her remain there, Mr. Drogue, if she so desires. Only guard well the house. I shall march a battalion of my regiment thither in the morning, and later I shall order a company of Colonel Livingston's regiment to Fish House. And then we shall see what we shall see," he added grimly to the officer in the doorway, who smiled in return.
There ensued a silence through which, very far away, we heard the music of another regiment marching into the town, which lay below us under the calm, high stars.