"Why—yes."
"I sent to Caydutta Lodge for the garments. They are in the house. You shall choose for yourself and your men before the Continentals take their share."
I was touched, and thanked her. And now, it being near the noon hour, we walked together to the house.
The partition which Sir John had made for a gun-room, and which now served to enclose Penelope's chamber, was all hung with stout woolen stockings of her own knitting; and others lay on her trundle-bed. So I admired and handled and praised these sober fruits of her diligence and foresight, and we corded up some dozen pair for my white people; and I stuffed them into my soldier's leather sack.
Then I took her hands and said my thanks; and she looked at me and answered, "You are welcome, John Drogue."
I do not know what possessed me to put my arm around her. She flushed deeply. I kissed her; and it went to my head.
The girl was dumb and scarlet, not resisting, nor defending her lips; but there came a clatter of china dishes, and I released her as Flora and Colas appeared from below, with dinner smoking, and clattering platters.
And presently Lady Johnson's door opened, and she stepped out in her silk levete, followed by Claudia.
"I invited no one else," said Lady Johnson, "—if that suits you, Jack."
I protested that it suited me, and that I desired to spend my few hours from duty with them alone.