He found but a few guests had arrived.

After paying the proper amount of homage to Lady Downham, the young earl wandered off into the grounds.
It was all very pretty and pleasant, but he had seen the same before, and was rather tired of it.

The day was more Italian than English, bright and sunny, the sky blue, the air clear and filled with fragrance, the birds singing as they do sing under bright, warm skies.
Flags were flying from numerous tents, bands of music were stationed in different parts of the grounds, the fountains played merrily in the sunlit air.

Lord Airlie walked mechanically on, bowing in reply to the salutations he received.
A pretty little bower, a perfect thicket of roses, caught his attention.

From it one could see all over the lake, with its gay pleasure boats.