Otherwise, a great peace had settled over Seat-Sandal.

Its hall-doors stood open all day long, and the August sunshine and the garden scents drifted in with the lights and shadows.
Life had settled down into such simple ways, that it seemed to be always at rest.

The hours went and came, and brought with them their little measure of duty and pleasure, both so usual and easy, that they took nothing from the feelings or the strength, and gave an infinite sense of peace and contentment.
One August evening they were in the garden; there had been several hot, clear days, and the harvesters were making the most of every hour.

The squire had been in the field until near sunset, and now he was watching anxiously for the last wain.

"We have the earliest shearing in Sandal-Side," he said.