She had one or two intimate friends, a simple and devout old maid called Miss Pyncheon, Mr.Magnus, whom Maggie had seen on the day of her arrival, Mr.Thurston, to whom Maggie had taken an instant dislike, and Amy Warlock.

She visited these people and they visited her; for the rest she seemed to take no exercise, and her declared love for the country did not lead her into the Parks.

She was more silent, if possible, than she had been at St.Dreots, and read to herself a great deal in the dark and melancholy drawing-room.
Although she talked very little to Maggie, the girl fancied that her eye was always upon her.

There was a strange attitude of watchfulness in her silent withdrawal from her scene as though she had retired simply because she could see the better from a distance.
She liked Maggie to read the Bible to her, and for an hour of every evening Maggie did this.

For some reason the girl greatly disliked this hour and dreaded its approach.