Azalma was a tall, flat-chested woman with the undeveloped features of a child, who talked very quickly and almost without taking breath while she made ready the meal in the kitchen.
From time to time she halted her preparations and sat down opposite her visitors, less for the moments repose than to give some special emphasis to what she was about to say; but the washing of a dish or the setting of the table speedily claimed her attention again, and the monologue went on amid the clatter of dishes and frying-pans.
The pea-soup was soon ready and on the table.

While eating, the two men talked about the condition of their farms and the state of the spring ice.
"You should be safe enough for crossing this evening," said Nazaire Larouche, "but it will be touch-and-go, and I think you will be about the last.

The current is strong below the fall and already we have had three days of rain.'" "Everybody says that the ice will hold for a long time yet," replied his sister-in-law.

"Better sleep here again to-night, and after supper the young folks from the village will drop in and spend the evening.

It is only fair that Maria should have a little more amusement before you drag her off into your woods up there." "She has had plenty of gaiety at St.Prime; singing and games almost every night.