“[H]ere and there a tree trunk that had fallen long ago, and lay moudlering with no green successor from its roots.”

Hawthorne sets the story in a place where there is no life flourishing. The fallen tree trunks are an active reminder of death. This establishes the story’s ominous mood and creates immediate tension.

“[A]nd 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.”

In previous times, witches would perform Satanic rituals in this exact spot either at midnight or at sunset. The old woman has chosen this location, adding to the characterization of the old lady as the archetype of a witch. This also foreshadows that something supernatural or evil will happen in the story.

“Say quickly what thou wouldst have of me, for there is but a short hour that we may tarry here.”

The old woman’s urgency and short manner in comparison to the emotional nature of the lady characterizes her as apathetic and potentially malicious. Her knowledge of the location and the time constraint also indicates a familiarity with the area, famed for rituals and dark magic. Her apparent wisdom and assertiveness put her in a position of power over the lady.