The cattle in the park which surrounded the house were already gathered under the trees.

In the far distance, the stubble fields stretched like patches of gold to ridges of pine-topped hills, and beyond to the distant sea.

The breakfast table at which his wife and daughter were seated was arranged on the broad grey stone terrace, and, as he slowly approached, it seemed like an oasis of flowers and fruit and silver.

A footman stood discreetly in the background.

Half a dozen dogs of various breeds came trotting forward to meet him.