Everybody in the Clock House had known that the fly, which they had seen, had brought "the Colonel" into Nuncombe Putney.
Everybody had known that he had breakfasted at the Stag and Antlers.
And everybody now knew that he was at the gate ringing the bell.
"Into the drawing-room," said Mrs.Stanbury, with a fearful, tremulous whisper, to the girl who went across the little garden in front to open the iron gate.

The girl felt as though Apollyon were there, and as though she were called upon to admit Apollyon.
Mrs.Stanbury having uttered her whisper, hurried away up-stairs.
Priscilla held her ground in the parlour, determined to be near the scene of action if there might be need.

And it must be acknowledged that she peeped from behind the curtain, anxious to catch a glimpse of the terrible man, whose coming to Nuncombe Putney she regarded as so severe a misfortune.
The plan of the campaign had all been arranged.

Mrs.Trevelyan and Nora together received Colonel Osborne in the drawing-room.

It was understood that Nora was to remain there during the whole visit.