"I have," thought Cecily, though she merely bowed modestly and kept silence.
"Trooper Piety, bid the lieutenant get the men together; we must away."
"Not before you have supped with us, sir?" said the courteous Lady Travers. "Combe Abbey never turned away a hungry man, were he friend or enemy."
"I thank you, madam—not to-night. There is work to be done, and the soldiers of the Lord think less of their stomachs than their duty." And going to the door, the officer watched the mounting of his men.
It was then that Cecily found the opportunity to whisper to one of the serving-men.
"Count how many there be, Roger, and then away to the village through the orchard and see if the numbers be the same there, and that they have left none behind to spy. Bring me word as soon as may be."
A few minutes later, and with a farewell salute, the officer led his men down the avenue, and peace once more reigned at Combe Abbey.
It was after supper, and when Lady Travers had retired, that Roger returned.
"The number was the same, mistress, and I followed them a good two miles or more, and none fell out."
"That is well, Roger; then we may have peace again for a time. And now to bed, for we are all upset by this night intrusion."