She was exceedingly deaf, and was a proverb in the village for her extreme taciturnity.

Poor old Margaret; she was a widow, and had lost ten children by early deaths.

There was a time when her gaiety had been as noticeable as her reserve was now.

In spite of her infirmity, she was not slow in comprehending the accident Madeline had met with; and she busied herself with a promptness that shewed her misfortunes had not deadened her natural kindness of disposition, in preparing fomentations and bandages for the wounded foot.
Meanwhile Aram, having no person to send in his stead, undertook to seek the manor-house, and bring back the old family coach, which had dozed inactively in its shelter for the last six months, to convey the sufferer home.
"No, Mr.Aram," said Madeline, colouring; "pray do not go yourself: consider, the man may still be loitering on the road.

He is armed--good Heavens, if he should meet you!" "Fear not, Madam," said Aram, with a faint smile.