"Yonder stands the Summer House," whispered Nick.
A ridge of hard land ran out into the reed-set water. A hinged gate barred the neck. Nick swung it wide; I led my mare and her rider through it; posted Godfrey and Silver there; posted Luysnes and De Golyer a hundred paces inland near the apple trees; left Nick by the well, and, walking beside my mare, continued on to the little green and white hunting lodge where, through the crescents of closed shutters, rays of light streamed out into the night.
Here I lifted the Scotch girl from her saddle, walked with her to the kitchen porch, and knocked softly on the kitchen door.
After a while I could hear a stirring within, voices, steps.
"Nicholas! Pontioch! Flora!" I called in guarded tones.
Presently I heard Flora's voice inquiring timidly who I might be.
"Mr. Drogue is arrived to await her ladyship's commands," said I.
At that the bolts slid and the door creaked open. Black Flora stood there in her yellow night shift, rolling enormous eyes at me, and behind her I saw Colas with a lighted dip, gaping to see me enter with a strange woman.
"Is your mistress here?" I demanded.
"Yassuh," answered Flora, "mah lady done gone to baid, suh."