Sir John Dering by Jeffery Farnol

My Lord Sayle tugged at the bell-rope and thereafter stared out into the sunny garden again as he had done for so long; and presently, the door opening softly, a man-servant entered who, beholding thus suddenly my lord's intent face, checked, shrank back, and stood, the door in his hand, gazing with eyes of fearful wonder. At last, becoming aware of the servant's presence, my lord spoke, but preserving always his rapt expression:

"Is Major Orme in the house?"