They were so pleased with it that they stood looking at it with great appreciation until Miss King came out at about twelve o'clock.

She brought with her a bundle of manuscript and a fountain pen, intending to work into her new novel a description of Ballymoy House and the demesne.
The men watched her settle herself, and then came forward cautiously and asked if there was anything they could do for her.

Miss King suggested that they should go away and do their work.

They went obediently, but returned in a few minutes with two scythes.
"If it's pleasing to your ladyship," said the elder of the two, "I was thinking of cutting the grass beyond, while the weather's fine, and we'd have a chance of getting the hay saved without rain." Miss King was not very well pleased.

She would have preferred to be left alone, in order that she might enjoy thoroughly the picturesque dilapidation she wished to describe.