They had no neighbours and their few stray kinfolk lived at remote distances and were not given to visits or communications.

There had been vague rumours of far away wars in the years past, but they had assumed no more reality than legends.
This war was a shadow too and after Jock came home one night and mentioned it as he might have mentioned the death of a cow or the buying of a moor pony the subject was forgotten by both.
"His lordship" it was who reminded them of it.

He even bestowed upon the rumour a certain reality.

He appeared at the stout little old castle one day without having sent them warning, which was unusual.

He came to give some detailed orders and to instruct them in the matter of changes.