"We'll get my father to let us have a box of Bibles to distribute at once," said Evelyn; "but after all, Maude, two deaf old women, and an old man in his dotage are flattering proofs of the success of the experiment. Even Phœbe would smile at such an exhibition."
After visiting several cottages unsuccessfully, they observed one of the same deaf old women at a cottage door, and, once more dismounting, surprised her by following as she retreated within.
"We saw you at the chapel just now," said Evelyn.
"Anan!" said the old woman, putting her hand to her ear. "I be very deaf, ladies, can't hear nothin'."
"Do you know what saint's day it is?" said Evelyn, more loudly.
"Oh, aye. A very nice gentleman indeed, miss, a pleasant gentleman."
"If you can't hear, can you read?" shouted Evelyn.
"Ah, yes, it began with a cold like, and you see I'm not so young as I was, miss; I'm stone deaf."
"What shall we do, Maude? We shall raise the village at this rate."
Maude then spread out one of the great placards, and held it before the old woman's face, but with no better result; she shook her head, and looked distressed.