Mrs.Field was gaunt and erect in her straight black clothes.

She had her black veil tied over her bonnet to protect it from dust, and the black frame around her strong-featured face gave her a rigid, relentless look, like a female Jesuit.

Lois came faltering behind her mother.
She had a bewildered air, and she looked from her mother to Amanda with appealing significance, but she did not speak.
"Well, I've come to say good-by," said Mrs.Field.
Amanda had one side of her front hair between her lips while she twisted the other; she took it out.

"Good-by, Mis' Field," she said.
"I'll do the best I can for Lois.

How soon do you s'pose you'll be back ?" "It's accordin' to how I get along.