They hurt when they do it.

Their voices go through my nerves as a knife might go through my flesh.

I live at the mill, sir; I have a great favour to ask.

Will you come and speak to me in my room--for five minutes only ?" I hesitated.

Any other man in my place, would, I think, have done the same; receiving such an invitation as this from a stranger, whose pitiable infirmity seemed to place him beyond the pale of social intercourse.
He must have guessed what was passing in my mind; he tried me again in words which might have proved persuasive, had they been uttered in the customary variety of tone.
"I can't help being a stranger to you; I can't help being deaf.