The spring air in Green River had been full of sweet moisture and earthiness from these steaming meadow-lands.
Always in Green River, above the almond scent of the flowering trees and the live breath of the new grass, came that earthy, moist odor, like a reminder of the grave.

Here in Elliot one smelled the spring above the earth.
The gate clicked, and a woman came up the curving path with a kind of clumsy dignity.

She was tall and narrow-shouldered, but heavy-hipped; her black skirt flounced as she walked.

She stopped in front of Lois, and looked at her hesitatingly.

Lois arose.
"Good-mornin'," said the woman.