It is provoking to have an object of pity balk.
Mrs.Field's assumption that her daughter was not ill had half incensed her sympathizing neighbors; even Amanda had marvelled indignantly at it.

But now the sudden change in her friend caused her to marvel still more.

She felt a vague fear every time she thought of her.

After Lois had gone to bed that Sunday night, her mother came into Amanda's room, and the two women sat together in the dusk.

It was so warm that Amanda had set all the windows open, and the room was full of the hollow gurgling of the frogs--there was some low meadow-land behind the house.
"I want to know what you think of Lois ?" said Mrs.Field, suddenly; her voice was high and harsh.
"Why, I don't know, hardly, Mis' Field." "Well, I know.