Dwarf pines were numerous upon the hills and partly fringed the outer verge of the intermediate hollow , within which there was nothing but the brown grass of October and here and there a tree-trunk that had fallen long ago and lay mouldering with no green successor from its roots . One of these masses of decaying wood , formerly a majestic oak , rested close beside a pool of green and sluggish water at the bottom of the basin . Such scenes as this -LRB- so gray tradition tells -RRB- were once the resort of a power of evil and his plighted subjects , and here at midnight or on the dim verge of evening they were said to stand round the mantling pool disturbing its putrid waters in the performance of an impious baptismal rite . The chill beauty of an autumnal sunset was now gilding the three hill-tops , whence a paler tint stole down their sides into the hollow . `` Here is our pleasant meeting come to pass , '' said the aged crone , `` according as thou hast desired . Say quickly what thou wouldst have of me , for there is but a short hour that we may tarry here . '' As the old withered woman spoke a smile glimmered on her countenance like lamplight on the wall of a sepulchre . The lady trembled and cast her eyes upward to the verge of the basin , as if meditating to return with her purpose unaccomplished . But it was not so ordained . `` I am stranger in this land , as you know , '' said she , at length . `` Whence I come it matters not , but I have left those behind me with whom my fate was intimately bound , and from whom I am cut off for ever . There is a weight in my bosom that I can not away with , and I have come hither to inquire of their welfare . '' `` And who is there by this green pool that can bring thee news from the ends of the earth ? '' cried the old woman , peering into the lady 's face . `` Not from my lips mayst thou hear these tidings ; yet be thou bold , and the daylight shall not pass away from yonder hilltop before thy wish be granted . '' `` I will do your bidding though I die , '' replied the lady , desperately . The old woman seated herself on the trunk of the fallen tree , threw aside the hood that shrouded her gray locks and beckoned her companion to draw near . `` Kneel down , '' she said , `` and lay your forehead on my knees . '' She hesitated a moment , but the anxiety that had long been kindling burned fiercely up within her . As she knelt down the border of her garment was dipped into the pool ; she laid her forehead on the old woman 's knees , and the latter drew a cloak about the lady 's face , so that she was in darkness .
Then she heard the muttered words of prayer , XXXXX the midst of which she started and would have arisen .
as before behind by from in into on with within