Folk knew when Mrs.Gordon went to visit her son's betrothed, though 'twas on a dark evening.

They knew what she wore, and how long she stayed.

They knew when Madelon returned her visit; they knew, to remember, in many cases, more details of their daily lives than Burr and Madelon themselves.
Madelon had few wedding preparations to make.

The wedding-garments which she had stitched with sorrow for her marriage with Lot would serve her now.

She employed her time in increasing still further the household stores of linen for her father's and brothers' use, when she should be gone, and in making a great stock of sweet-sauce, jelly, and cordials from the fruits and berries of the season.
One afternoon in late summer, when the high blackberries were ripe, Madelon set forth with a great basket on her arm.