It forced its way , in spite of a little struggle to repress it . Then , starting and blushing , she looked quickly around the circle , as if they had caught a glimpse into her bosom . The stranger asked what she had been thinking of . `` Nothing , '' answered she , with a downcast smile ; `` only I felt lonesome just then . '' `` Oh , I have always had a gift of feeling what is in other people 's hearts , '' said he , half seriously . `` Shall I tell the secrets of yours ? For I know what to think when a young girl shivers by a warm hearth and complains of lonesomeness at her mother 's side . Shall I put these feelings into words ? '' `` They would not be a girl 's feelings any longer if they could be put into words , '' replied the mountain-nymph , laughing , but avoiding his eye . All this was said apart . Perhaps a germ of love was springing in their hearts so pure that it might blossom in Paradise , since it could not be matured on earth ; for women worship such gentle dignity as his , and the proud , contemplative , yet kindly , soul is oftenest captivated by simplicity like hers . But while they spoke softly , and he was watching the happy sadness , the lightsome shadows , the shy yearnings , of a maiden 's nature , the wind through the Notch took a deeper and drearier sound . It seemed , as the fanciful stranger said , like the choral strain of the spirits of the blast who in old Indian times had their dwelling among these mountains and made their heights and recesses a sacred region . There was a wail along the road as if a funeral were passing . To chase away the gloom , the family threw pine-branches on their fire till the dry leaves crackled and the flame arose , discovering once again a scene of peace and humble happiness . The light hovered about them fondly and caressed them all . There were the little faces of the children peeping from their bed apart , and here the father 's frame of strength , the mother 's subdued and careful mien , the high-browed youth , the budding girl and the good old grandam , still knitting in the warmest place . The aged woman looked up from her task , and with fingers ever busy was the next to speak . `` Old folks have their notions , '' said she , `` as well as young ones . You 've been wishing and planning and letting your heads run on one thing and another till you 've set my mind a-wandering too .
Now , what should an old woman wish XXXXX , when she can go but a step or two before she comes to her grave ?
To along among for from if into like till while