four o'clock
A terrace ran the full length of the house , bounded at one end by a large conservatory , at the other by an aviary . Wide stone steps , at intervals , led down from the terrace on to the soft springy turf of the lawn . Beyond -- the wide park ; clumps of old trees , haunted by shy brown deer ; and , through the trees , fitful gleams of the river , a narrow silver ribbon , winding gracefully in and out between long grass , buttercups , and cow-daisies . The sun-dial pointed to four o'clock . The birds were having their hour of silence . Not a trill sounded from among the softly moving leaves , not a chirp , not a twitter . The stillness seemed almost oppressive .