On a bench beside the pump an old woman sat shelling peas.

Her form was thin but erect and her hair snowy white.

She moved with alertness, and as the girl dismounted and approached her she raised her head and turned a pleasant face with deep-set, sightless gray eyes upon her visitor.
"Good morning, Ethel, dear," she said.

"I knew the pony's whinney.
You're up early today." "Good morning, Nora," responded the schoolteacher, advancing to kiss the withered cheek.

"Are you pretty well ?" "In body, dear.