The rookery is almost deserted, a solitary sleepy _caw_ being only heard now and then at long intervals.

The singing of birds, and the buzzing of busy insects sound faint, distant, and musical.

On a shady seat, among the trees, Mrs.Joyce is just visible, working in the open air.

One of her daughters sits reading on the turf at her feet.

The other is giving the younger children a ride by turns on the back of a large Newfoundland dog, who walks along slowly with his tongue hanging out, and his great bushy tail wagging gently.