This may seem slightly unconventional, sir, but I trust you will repose sufficient confidence in me not to object.

The sole requirements are that you remain in this room until sent for." "That will not be long ?" "I think not, sir." "And who will send for me ?" Peter's eyes calmly surveyed me, but without expression.
"I am quite unable to answer that, sir." He was enough to provoke a saint, but I had already butted my head against that stone wall sufficiently to learn the uselessness of any further attempt.

Peter was Peter, and I crushed back my first impatient exclamation to say humbly, "All right, my man, I'll wait here." I sank back into the upholstered chair, and for a moment after he had closed the door I did not move.

Then, scarcely knowing whether to laugh or swear over the situation, I crossed the room, and gazed out through the window.

Far down the winding driveway, half concealed behind the trees, a body of British troops was tramping toward the house..